How to Grow Calla Lilies in Clay Soil

Measure the length and the width of the planting area using a tape measure. Multiply the two numbers together. The resulting number is the planting area’s square footage.

Visit a landscape supply company or garden center and purchase enough compost and sand to cover the planting site with 3 inches of each. In general, the material comes in cubic yards. One cubic yard is sufficient for a 10-by-10-foot planting site.

Spread 3 inches of the compost on top of the desired planting site and work it into the top 6 inches of the soil using a garden tiller.

Spread 3 inches of the course sand on top of the area. Push the tiller over the soil again mixing the sand in well.

Dig a hole in the soil that is 1 to 2 inches deep. Insert one callalily bulb into the hole with the eyes facing upward. The eyes on the bulb look like those on a potato. Examine the top of the bulb ensuring it sticks out of the ground by one-quarter inch and then back fill the hole.

Plant additional callalily bulbs in the same manner, spacing them 1 to 1 1/2 feet apart.

Water the soil to a 3-inch depth immediately after plating to soak the bulbs. After planting, continue watering once per week until the bulbs bloom.

Wait until the foliage turns yellow, which occurs long after blooming stops, and cut off the foliage using pruning shears.