Do Calla Lilies Need to Be Wired?

Season

• Plant calla lily bulbs or rhizomes in spring after the last frost. The bulbs produce spring and summer blooms, then go dormant during fall and winter. Calla blooms last only through summer, and fade and die along with the stems and foliage.

Sunshine

• Callas tolerate partial shade, but grow their strongest foliage in full sunshine. Calla lilies in shade grow longer, weaker stems as they reach for sunlight. Callas in deep shade rot and fail. Always plant calla lilies in full sunshine, in spots with plenty of air movement, for best growth.

Soil and Drainage

• Calla lilies require loose, nutritious soil for growth, and produce weak and wilted stems and foliage without adequate nourishment. Choose a quick-draining location for the calla lilies and amend the soil with organic compost and bulb fertilizer at planting.

Fertilizer and Water

• Maintain calla lilies from spring to fall to keep them healthy and producing strong, self-supporting foliage. Water the callas with 2 inches of water every week for lush, strong and juicy stems. The University of Minnesota Extension Service recommends 5-10-5 or 5-10-10 fertilizer in spring for calla lily nutrition. Maintain soil quality with yearly compost amendments as well.