Calla Lily Bulbs Questions & Answers
Do calla lily bulbs come back every year?
Calla lilies are perennial flowers, meaning that they live at least two years at a fundamental level. The calla lily can thrive all year through more than one growing season with the right temperature and climate.
What month do you plant calla lily bulbs?
Calla lilies should be planted in the spring after all danger of frost has passed. In cold climates it's best to wait until the soil has warmed to at least 65°F. For a head start, you can plant the rhizomes in pots indoors about a month before planting them into the garden.
Do Calla Lilies Spread?
Being a bulb, calla lilies spread by multiplying and creating other bulbs. These calla lily bulbs can be dug up and replanted in different locations. While these plants spread, they do so in a manner which is quite easy to control.
Calla lily bulbs multiply underground, so digging up calla lilies is a way to keep them productive and establish new plants. The best time to dig up calla lilies is right after the frost has killed the foliage. Keeping the foliage on, and keeping the bulbs in the ground until this time, is. the best way to ensure that your calla lilies have stored all the nutrients they can to survive the winter. If you live in USDA plant hardiness zone 8 or higher, your calla lilies can survive the winter outdoors in the ground and do not need to be dug up.
How do you multiply calla lilies?
Slide a shovel under the roots and pry upward to lift the clump. Remove any remaining foliage and brush off the soil. Cut or break apart the rhizome, making sure each section has at least one eye. Let the rhizomes dry for a day to form a callus over the cut before replanting.
Should I deadhead my calla lilies?
Calla lilies don't require regular pruning, but you should deadhead the flowers as they wilt. Removing parts of the plant should not kill it.
How many flowers do you get from one calla lily bulb?
This depends mostly on the size of the bulb and even more important: the variety. Some varieties could produce up to 6-10 blooms while others may only produce 2-5. Growing conditions also play a factor when it comes to the flower count per calla lily bulb planted.
Where is the best place to plant calla lilies?
They prefer to be located in full sun or partial shade in warmer climates. Calla lilies are typically planted in the spring. However, wait until the threat of frost has passed and the soil has warmed sufficiently before planting calla lilies. Calla lilies should be planted rather deep, about 4 inches.
Do calla lilies need a lot of water?
Once the rhizomes are established, you can water the plants once a week or more frequently if experiencing especially hot or drought-like conditions. Calla lily plants potted indoors will need constant moisture, as pots will dry out sooner than ground plantings. Always make sure to use well draining soil or your bulbs will rot.