Calla liles, Zantedeschia sp., come to us from the southern portion of Africa, but they are now appreciated all over the world. In years gone by, the great white calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) held a prominent place in the calla lily industry, but today many colorful Zantedeschia hybrids can be purchased and grown as well.
From a botanical perspective, these lilies are not true lilies at all. But from a gardeners’ perspective, they are close enough and they are beautiful whatever they happen to be! The plants make a graceful and beautiful contribution to the home or landscape, and for this purpose they are greatly prized.
Your new calla lily plant can be grown a couple different ways. 1) It can be planted outdoors to beautify a garden bed or 2) it can be cultivated as an indoor plant. Both ways can work well.
If you plan to grow your calla lily outdoors, plan such that you can plant in the springtime after danger of frost. You must ensure the plant will have friable, well-drained soil. Space plants about a foot apart, and plant them 4 inches deep (Tilley, 2021).
Whether grown indoors or outdoors, sunlight requirements range from bright, indirect light (optimal, see Martin, 2021) to full sun (acceptable in areas with mild summers, see Aloi, 2021). Keep the soil slightly moist, but do not over-water your calla lilies unless you are growing the great white (Zantedeschia aethiopica) calla, which does appreciate soggy soils. Fertilizer can be helpful especially as a calla lily is waking up in spring, but beware that high-nitrogen fertilizers can dampen your display of blossoms.
Many people enjoy the first flush of blooms on their plant, and then send it to the garbage. But if you wish to keep your calla lily perennially, here are some tips. First, understand that God has created these little plants to run on an annual cycle. They require a period of winter rest after bloom. As a grower, you must make sure your plant gets this rest. Just before your first frost in fall, dig up the flower rhizomes. Trim off excess foliage, and allow your plants to air dry in a warm place for 7-10 days (Aloi, 2021). Then find a cool location (50-55oF) and store your dry rhizomes in peat moss for 2-3 months. After this period, your rhizomes will be ready to re-plant. This treatment, though it doesn’t guarantee re-blooming, will give you the best chance at a fresh flush of blossoms.
Sources
Aloi, P. (2021). How to Grow and Care for Calla Lily. Retrieved 10/15/21 from https://www.thespruce.com/grow-calla-lily-indoors-1902501P
Laidback Gardener (2019). Hybrid Callas in a Cold Climate. Retrieved 10/15/21 from https://laidbackgardener.blog/2019/04/26/hybrid-callas-in-a-cold-climate/
Martin, T. (2021). Caring for Calla Lilies in the Garden: Learn how to care for calla lilies, get growing advice and discover tips for including them in your garden design. Retrieved 10/15/21 from https://www.gardendesign.com/flowers/calla-lilies.html
Tilley, N. (2021). Calla Lily Care — Tips On Growing Calla Lilies. Retrieved 10/15/21 from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/calla-lily/growing-calla-lilies-and-care-of-calla-lilies.htm