What Season Can You Buy Calla Lilies?

Fall

• Callas do best with fall plantings in warm U.S. Department of Agriculture growing zones 9 to 11, where winter temperatures rarely drop to freezing. Purchase and plant calla bulbs four to five weeks before the first frost in these areas to give the callas a warm planting time and cool germination period.

Spring

• Calla lilies cannot survive winter in zones 8 and lower and require a protected spring planting in these zones. Local nurseries and bulb catalogs feature callas into early spring to accommodate this planting season. In these zones, plant calla bulbs after the last frost in spring.

Planting Site

• Plant callas in large, quick-draining and airy sites, with full sun for six to eight hours every day. The University of Minnesota Extension notes that some callas grow in partial shade but do not bloom as effectively. Give each calla bulb at least 1 to 2 feet of space.

Soil and Nutrition

• Calla lilies do best in deep, loose and rich soil. They cannot grow or expand their roots in dry or tight soil, regardless of season. Mix 4 to 5 inches of organic compost into the top 10 inches of soil to provide this loose, nutritious foundation. Add 5-10-5 or 5-10-10 fertilizer at planting to provide more nutrition. Plant calla bulbs 4 to 6 inches deep and expect blooming when the weather warms into summer.

Life Span

• Calla lilies are perennials and re-bloom for many years from one set of bulbs. They also divide at those bulbs for self-propagation. Leave calla bulbs in the ground all year in zones 9 to 11, and divide them in fall for additional plantings. Dig calla bulbs up in fall and store them safely through winter in zones 8 and below. Divide and replant the bulbs in spring in these zones, rather than buying new ones.