Calla Lily Bulbs: A Detailed Guide to Planting, Growing, and Care

Introduction

Calla lilies (Zantedeschia) are striking and elegant flowering plants that add a touch of beauty to any garden. Their funnel-shaped flowers, available in a range of colors including white, yellow, pink, purple, and orange, emerge from sword-like foliage and bloom in the summer months. Calla lilies are relatively easy to grow from bulbs, making them a popular choice for gardeners of all levels.

Planting Calla Lily Bulbs

Choosing the Right Bulbs

Select healthy and plump bulbs that are free from any signs of disease or damage. Larger bulbs will produce more flowers.

Planting Time

The best time to plant calla lily bulbs is in the spring, after the last frost date in your area.

Soil Conditions

Calla lilies prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend the soil with compost or peat moss to improve fertility and drainage.

Planting Depth and Spacing

Plant the bulbs with the pointed end facing up, about 2-3 inches deep and 6-8 inches apart.

Growing Calla Lilies

Watering

Water the calla lilies regularly, especially during the growing season. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

Fertilizing

Fertilize the calla lilies every 2-3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

Sunlight

Calla lilies prefer full sun to partial shade. In hotter regions, provide afternoon shade to protect the foliage from scorching.

Mulching

Spread a layer of mulch around the calla lilies to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Care and Maintenance

Deadheading

Remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms and prevent seed production.

Foliage Care

The foliage of calla lilies will turn yellow and die back after flowering. Cut back the foliage to the ground once it has completely died back.

Winter Storage

Calla lilies are not hardy in cold climates and must be dug up and stored over the winter. Dig up the bulbs after the foliage has died back completely. Allow the bulbs to dry for a few days in a shaded, well-ventilated area.

Store the bulbs in a cool, dark place with good ventilation. The ideal temperature for storage is between 40-50°F (4-10°C).

Troubleshooting Calla Lily Problems

Yellowing Foliage

• Overwatering
• Nutrient deficiency
• Too much sun exposure

Brown Spots on Leaves

• Bacterial leaf spot
• Fungal disease

Failure to Bloom

• Insufficient sunlight
• Overcrowding
• Lack of nutrients

Companion Plants for Calla Lilies

• Hostas
• Astilbes
• Ferns

Table Summarizing Calla Lily Bulb Planting, Growing, and Care

Aspect	Details
Planting Depth	2-3 inches
Planting Spacing	6-8 inches
Watering	Regular, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings
Fertilizing	Every 2-3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer
Sunlight	Full sun to partial shade
Mulching	Recommended to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Deadheading	Remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms
Foliage Care	Cut back the foliage to the ground after it has died back completely
Winter Storage	Dig up bulbs after foliage has died back and store in a cool, dark place with good ventilation