Care of Calla Lilies in Zone 5

Sort rhizomes kept over the winter and discard any that are mushy or shriveled. Wait until mid- to late May to plant callas in Zone 5. This will ensure that the ground has warmed over 60 degrees and new shoots will not suffer frostbite.

Prepare the area where you will plant callas by cultivating deeply and working in enough well-rotted manure and compost or peat moss to make a loamy, rich, organic soil that drains quickly but remains moist.

Plant calla rhizomes with their growing sides -- the sides with little buds -- up. Depending on the size of the rhizome, dig 3- to 4-inch holes and adjust the height by filling in underneath the rhizome so the growing surface sits 1 inch below the soil surface. Space plants between 12 and 18 inches apart. Packaging on varieties that grow taller than 3 feet may recommend 24 inches or more.

Water callas after planting but wait until the first leaf pops up, then mulch with well-rotted compost or other organic mulch to keep roots cool. Fertilize monthly with a balanced (10-10-10) garden fertilizer.

In late September or October, when the first frost in Zone 5 can be expected and kills the foliage, dig tubers and cut off growth about 2 inches above the rhizome to avoid damaging it; remaining growth will fall off during storage. Spread rhizomes out on newspaper or a drop cloth in a warm place to dry for a week or until they dry and the dirt falls off.

Brush dirt off the rhizomes and store them in peat moss, vermiculite or sawdust to keep them dry. Package in paper sacks or boxes and store in a cool place with a temperature between 45 and 55 degrees.