How Much Miracle-Gro Do Calla Lilies Need?

Season

• Calla lilies are sensitive summertime plants, and grow from spring to fall from their rhizome and root systems. The plants always go dormant during the winter. Plant the rhizomes in mid-spring in all growing zones, or in early fall, before first frost, in U.S. Department of Agriculture Growing Zones 10 and 11. These dormant plantings give the bulbs time to take root for best growth.

Site and Water

• Callas do best with full sunshine and quick year-round drainage. The University of Minnesota Extension Service warns that callas may grow in partial shade, but won't bloom. These plants thrive with 2 inches of water every week and fail in dry conditions.

Soil Amendment

• Calla lilies need moist, loose and nutritious soil for root and stem growth and long-term survival. Cultivate the top 6 inches of natural soil in your chosen bed and add 2 to 3 inches of Miracle-Gro soil amendments. Choose from Organic Compost, Enriched Sphagnum Peat Moss, Moisture Control Garden Soil, Garden Soil for Flowers and Vegetables and Organic Choice Garden Soil. These amendments add nutrition to soil and maintain long-term consistency and moisture retention.

Fertilizer

• Calla lilies in appropriate soil require little in the way of fertilizer. The University of Minnesota Extension Service recommends feeding callas once a year, in early spring. Use Shake 'n Feed Continuous Release Bloom Booster Flower Food or Organic Choice All Purpose Plant Food, per manufacturer directions, then water. Use Water Soluble Bloom Booster Flower Food every 7 to 10 days through the season, per manufacturer directions, for a more hands-on approach. Add the water-soluble plant food to a standard watering.