Why You Should Grow Calla Lilies
The unique and stunning flowers of the calla lily are always a showpiece in the garden (even if they are not technically lilies). In warm climates, calla lilies are easy to care for. In colder winters, they will take more work, but their beautiful flowers make them worth the effort.
- Botanical Name: Zantedeschia spp.
- Growing area: 8 to 11 (or less, if dug and kept indoors over winter)
- Lighting Requirements: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: It is well lit
- Use: A very beautiful flower
- Back tip: All parts of the plant are poisonous. Keep away from children and pets.
Are Calla Lilies Perennial?
Calla lilies are perennial plants in tropical and subtropical climates. In growing areas 8 to 10, they grow well with little care once established. But growers in zones 7 and below will need to treat calla lilies differently.
Don’t just plant them as an annual to enjoy one season. Or, you can lift the bulbs every winter, keeping them indoors to protect them from the cold.
Once grown as perennials, calla lilies begin blooming in late spring or early summer. There are many different types of calla lilies, and they can be divided into three stages of blooming time: early season, mid-season, and late season.
Once the plant begins to flower, it usually continues for 6 to 12 weeks. By planting a mix of varieties, you can enjoy these special flowers all season long.
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Calla Lily Care
Start by choosing varieties that suit your garden’s needs. Slow-growing varieties top out at about 12 inches, making them great for borders. Taller varieties can reach 2 to 3 feet, and may be better suited for the back garden.
Make sure they get at least some sun every day. In cooler climates, these plants can withstand full sun, while morning sun and afternoon shade are best in warmer climates.
Calla lilies grow from rhizomes. Start them outdoors in the spring, after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 65 degrees F. Plant the rhizome about 3 to 4 inches deep in well-draining soil, growing tips upward.
Cover with soil and water in between, then water slowly until the first shoots appear above the ground. Give regular watering when the leaves appear, and a dose of liquid fertilizer once a month or so.
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Winter Calla Lilies
Remove spent flower stalks from the ground so the plant can redirect its energy to next year’s blooms, rather than setting seed. Allow the plant to die back naturally in the fall, where it will go dormant for the winter. In areas 8 to 10, simply reduce watering and allow the plant to rest. You can cut off any yellow leaves or stems if you like.
In cooler climates, cut off the leaves, leaving an inch or two of stem. Cover the rhizomes and store them in a cool layer of peat moss in a cool dark place.
Replant in the spring when the soil warms up again. Be aware that in subsequent years, you may see a decline in flowers. Increase fertilization to once every two weeks to encourage flowering.
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Growing Calla Lilies Indoors
Calla lilies are often sold as potted plants, and they can actually be grown indoors. They will need to be fertilized regularly when grown in containers, but otherwise their growing needs are about the same. Consider moving them outside during the summer months to a location that receives about six hours of sunlight per day.
Water regularly to keep the soil moist (but not wet). In winter, move the pots to a cooler place, reduce watering, and allow the plants to go dormant.
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Can You Grow a Calla Lily from Seed?
“Will my lily have seeds after blooming that I can save to plant next year?” it asked Birds and Flowers student Sheryl Clifton.
Gardener Melinda Myers says, “Yes, you can grow calla lilies from seed, but it will take several years for the plant to grow and begin flowering. Watch for a cluster of dense structures that will grow as the flowers fade.
Many say that this collection of kernel-like structures is like a corn on the cob. Each “seed” contains one to four seeds. As the seed grows, the surrounding structure becomes soft and yellow.
Squish the kernel to remove each seed. Clean the seeds, remove any remaining flesh and spread the seeds out to dry. Store seeds in a cool, dark place in an airtight container or plastic bag until you are ready to plant.
Increase success by germinating seeds before a wet paper towel placed inside a plastic bag. Check the seeds regularly and plant those that have sprouted. Plant the sprouts (or seeds if you’ve overgrown before germination) ¼ inch and ½ inch apart or sprinkle them over the soil in a moist, well-draining mix. Place them in a warm place to rise.
Then move to a sunny window or under artificial lights as soon as any green appears. Be patient as it may take several weeks for the seeds to germinate.”
Selected species of Calla Lily
- Black Magic’: Bright yellow flowers with black throat. 26 to 30 inches tall, blooms mid-season.
- ‘Black Star’: Spotted leaves, maroon-black flowers. 18 inches tall, blooms early in the season.
- ‘Captain Safari’: Orange flowers with yellow, white-spotted leaves. 12 to 24 inches, late season bloomers.
- ‘Garnet Glow’: Slow growing deep pink flowers. 10 to 16 inches tall, blooms mid-season.
- ‘Green Goddess’: White flowers with green throat, sweet fragrance. 20 centimeters tall, blooming mid-season.
Next, learn how to grow and care for crinum lilies.
About Professionals
Melinda Myers official garden specialist for Birds and Flowers. He is a TV/radio host, writer and author of over 20 gardening books. Melinda earned a master’s degree in horticulture from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
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