When most people think of calla lilies, they think of the elegant blooms that are often used in bouquets or as centerpieces. But what many people don’t know is that you can actually grow these beauties yourself right in your own backyard!
Calla lilies are relatively easy to grow and with a little bit of TLC, you can be enjoying your very own homegrown callas in no time. So if you’re looking for a lush, beautiful addition to your garden, read on for tips on how to grow calla lilies like a pro!
What are Calla Lilies?
Calla lilies are beautiful flowers with graceful, leafy stems and large trumpet-shaped blooms.
These flowers are native to tropical regions, and they come in a wide range of dazzling colors, including white, pink, yellow, purple, and deep red.
They have long been popular in gardens thanks to their delicate appearance and easy care requirements.
The leaves of calla lilies help to promote growth and prevent soil erosion by trapping nutrients that pass through the roots of nearby plants.
Additionally, these stunning flowers attract a variety of pollinators that help to ensure the survival of the plant species as a whole.
Whether you’re looking for an attractive addition to your garden or simply want some beautiful cut flowers for your home, calla lilies are sure to please.
Why You Should Grow Calla Lilies
If you’re looking for a beautiful and unique addition to your garden, look no further than the calla lily. Calla lilies are not only elegant and stylish, but they’re also easy to care for. With just a little bit of effort, you can enjoy these stunning flowers for years to come.
One of the best things about calla lilies is that they come in a wide range of colors. Whether you’re looking for something classic or something more vibrant, you’re sure to find the perfect shade to suit your taste.
And because they’re so easy to grow, you can experiment with different color combinations until you find just the right look for your garden.
Calla lilies are also surprisingly tough plants. They can tolerate a wide range of conditions, from full sun to partial shade.
They’re also drought-resistant, which makes them ideal for gardens in dry climates. Best of all, calla lilies are nearly maintenance-free. With just a little bit of water and fertilizer, they’ll thrive without any problems.
So if you’re looking for a show-stopping addition to your garden, be sure to add some calla lilies. With their beauty and versatility
Types of Calla Lilies
Calla lilies are a stunning addition to any garden. With their large, colorful blooms and delicate leaves, these lovely flowers can brighten up even the dreariest outdoor spaces.
There are many different types of calla lilies available, each with unique characteristics that distinguish it from other varieties.
Some of the most popular calla lily varieties include:
- The Giant Calla Lily, also known as Zantedeschia aethiopica, is a native of South Africa and can grow up to seven feet tall. It has large, glossy green leaves and produces white or yellow flowers.
- The Dwarf Calla Lily, Zantedeschia rehmannii, is a smaller plant that only grows to about two feet tall. It is ideal for border plantings and has dark green leaves with white or pale pink flowers.
- The Stargazer Calla Lily is a hybrid of the Giant and Dwarf varieties. It is a vigorous grower that can reach four feet in height. It has large, bright red flowers that are heavily scented.
With so many different types to choose from, it’s no wonder that calla lilies are such a popular choice for gardens of all sizes.
How Do You Grow and Maintain Calla Lilies?
Calla lilies are a beautiful flower that can be grown in many different climates. They are popular for their large, showy blooms and long-lasting flowers.
Calla lilies can be used in many different ways, from bouquets to wedding centerpieces. Here’s how to grow them!
Choosing and Planting Rhizomes
When it comes to planting calla lilies, there are many important factors to consider. The first is choosing the right location for your rhizomes. These tubers prefer warm, moist conditions with plenty of sunshine.
You should also take care to amend your soil as needed to ensure that it provides the right nutrients for calla lily growth.
Once you have selected a suitable spot for your plants, you can start planting your rhizomes.
This is best done in early spring or fall, when weather conditions are favorable and new growth can get off to a strong start.
To plant your calla lilies properly, simply dig a hole in the desired location and place the rhizome inside with the pointed ends facing upwards. Plant the rhizomes two to three inches below the surface of the soil.
Then, cover up the tuber and tamp down the soil around it to secure it in place. With proper care, your calla lily plants will flourish and produce beautiful blooms year after year.
Growing Calla Lilies from Seed
Growing calla lilies from seed can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to see the flowers take root and grow at their own pace.
To get started, you will need a pot or other container that is at least 6 inches deep, with good drainage holes in the bottom.
Next, you will need to select a well-draining soil mix that has been enriched with compost or other organic matter. Once you have prepared your pot and chosen your soil mix, it is time to plant your seeds.
Start by sprinkling them over the surface of the soil and then lightly covering them with an inch of dirt or more. It is important not to pack down the soil too tightly, as this can prevent water from reaching the seeds.
After planting your seeds, it is crucial to maintain consistent moisture levels so that they don’t dry out before they have a chance to sprout.
This can usually be achieved by watering daily or every other day, depending on your climate and local conditions.
Where Do Calla Lilies Grow Best?
One of the most important things to consider when choosing calla lily rhizomes is the climate in which they will be grown.
Calla lilies prefer warm weather and direct sunlight, so they are not well suited for cooler regions.
It is also important to choose a location that has well-drained soil, as calla lilies will not thrive in soggy conditions.
Temperature and Humidity
One of the most important factors in successfully growing calla lilies is maintaining the ideal temperature and humidity levels.
Calla lilies prefer warm weather, and they will not thrive in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
They also prefer high humidity levels, so if you live in a dry climate, you will need to provide extra moisture for your plants.
Watering Your Calla Lilies
When it comes to cultivating beautiful calla lilies, proper watering is essential. These flowers require plenty of water if they are going to flourish.
However, it’s important not to overwater your lilies, as this can cause their roots to rot. In order to keep your calla lilies healthy and vibrant, you should aim for a balance between too little and too much water.
This means checking on your plants regularly, making sure that the soil is consistently damp but not soaking wet. When you water your lilies, be sure to give them plenty of time to dry out before watering again.
With regular care and attention, you can ensure that your calla lilies will be some of the most gorgeous plants in your garden.
Mulching, Fertilizing, and Weeding
Most gardeners are familiar with the basic tenets of gardening: you need to water your plants, give them enough sun, and occasionally pull up a weed or two.
But what about when your plants are starting to look a little lackluster?
If your calla lilies are in need of a pick-me-up, try mulching, fertilizing, and weeding.
Mulching helps to retain moisture in the soil and keep roots cool, while fertilizing provides the nutrients that plants need to grow.
And of course, pulling up weeds prevents them from stealing resources from your calla lilies. By taking these simple steps, you can help your calla lilies thrive.
Calla Lily Pests and Diseases
Calla lilies are some of the most beautiful and versatile flowers in existence.
With their lush, green leaves and exquisite white flowers, these stunning plants can brighten up any garden with their elegant beauty.
However, calla lilies are also susceptible to a wide variety of pests and diseases that can quickly damage or even kill the plants.
Some common culprits include fungal infections, flea beetles, aphids, armyworms, and slugs.
To prevent these problems from wreaking havoc on your callas, it is important to take proactive steps to keep the plants healthy and protect them from harmful organisms.
This may include regularly inspecting your lily plants for signs of infestation or infection and applying pesticides or other treatments as necessary.
Overall, with proper care and attention, your calla lilies should be able to thrive without succumbing to nasty pests or diseases.
How to Overwinter Calla Lilies
Calla lilies are a beautiful addition to any garden, with their large, trumpet-shaped flowers in a variety of colors.
Unfortunately, these stunning plants are not winter hardy, and must be overwintered indoors in order to survive the cold months.
With a little care, however, it is easy to overwinter calla lilies and enjoy their beauty year after year.
To overwinter calla lilies, start by digging up the bulbs in the fall, before the first frost. Gently brush away any dirt and place the bulbs in a paper bag, then store them in a cool, dark place such as a basement or garage.
Check on the bulbs periodically throughout the winter, and replant them in the spring when the danger of frost has passed. With proper care, calla lilies will thrive for many years.
Propagating Calla Lilies
One of the easiest ways to start new plants is by propagating calla lilies from bulbs. Here’s how to do it.
Start by selecting a healthy bulb with good root growth. Carefully dig up the bulb, taking care not to damage the roots.
Cut the bulb in half with a sharp knife, then replant each half in a pot filled with well-draining potting mix.
Water well and place the pots in a bright, sunny spot. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, and within a few weeks, you should see new growth emerging from the soil.
Once the plants are established, you can transplant them into your garden or outdoor containers. With a little care, you can enjoy these lovely flowers for many years to come.
Pruning Callas
Calla lilies typically produce a thick stem and leafy growth at the base of the plant, while longer, thinner stems grow above this main stalk.
In order to encourage healthy development of these long stems, it is necessary to remove any excess foliage or shoot growth from around the main stalk of the plant.
You should also take care not to damage the buds that grow close to this main stalk, as these buds are what will produce flowers down the line.
How to Get Calla Lilies to Bloom
To get your calla lilies to bloom, it is important to give them the right care and conditions. The first step is to choose a variety of calla lily that thrives in your climate and growing conditions.
These plants generally prefer bright, indirect sunlight and warm but not excessively hot weather.
Once you have chosen your plant, you need to provide it with plenty of water and fertilizer throughout the growing season.
It is also important to deadhead your plant on a regular basis, removing any withered or spent flowers.
By creating the right conditions and taking good care of your calla lilies, you can help ensure that they will produce beautiful blossoms year after year.
Harvesting Calla Lilies
Calla lilies are a beautiful and versatile flower that can be grown in a wide variety of settings.
Whether you have a small patch of garden at the back of your yard or an expansive greenhouse, calla lilies can thrive with minimal effort.
However, for these beautiful flowers to reach their full potential, it is important to harvest them at the right time. Luckily, it is fairly easy to tell when calla lilies are ready for picking.
For one thing, the shape of the leaves will start to change from round and vibrant to elongated and drooping. You might also notice that certain flowers begin to fade as other blooms begin to open up.
And finally, as you move further along in the season, the petals on each bloom will become more pointed and spiky.
When all of these signs come together, it means that your calla lilies are ripe for harvesting – so they can be enjoyed in all their beauty!
What’s the Difference Between Canna Lilies and Calla Lilies?
Though they share some similarities in appearance, canna lilies and calla lilies are actually two very different types of plants. Canna lilies are tropical perennials that can grow to be six feet tall.
Their leaves are large and green, and their flowers come in a variety of colors, including red, orange, and yellow.
Calla lilies, on the other hand, are much smaller plants that typically only grow to be about two feet tall.
They have glossy green leaves and their flowers are usually white or pale pink. In addition, canna lilies need full sun to thrive, while calla lilies prefer partial shade. Though they may look similar at first glance, a closer inspection reveals that canna lilies and calla lilies are quite different.
What Are Calla Lilies Used For?
Calla lilies are a beautiful and versatile flower that can be used in a wide variety of applications.
Perhaps one of the most popular uses for these elegant flowers is as a wedding decoration, as they make a striking centerpiece or added touch to any wedding bouquet.
In addition, calla lilies are also commonly used in perfumes, as their delicate scent and elegant appearance lend themselves well to this application.
Furthermore, these stunning flowers are also often enjoyed simply for their beauty, with many people choosing to grow them at home or adding them to indoor bouquets just for the aesthetic appeal.
Whether you’re looking for a stunning addition to your wedding decor or simply want a pop of color and fragrance in your living room, calla lilies have you covered!
And can you eat calla lilies? That’s another common question that people ask.
Sadly no, you cannot eat calla lilies. These beautiful flowers are actually poisonous if ingested.
The toxins in calla lilies can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, they can even lead to kidney failure.
So, while calla lilies may be pretty to look at, it’s best to keep them out of your mouth.
Do Calla Lilies Grow Better in Pots or in the Ground?
While calla lilies are often grown in pots, they can also be planted directly in the ground. There are a few things to consider when making this decision.
Calla lilies generally prefer well-drained soil, so if your garden has heavy clay or poor drainage, it’s better to stick with pots.
Pots also offer more control over temperature and moisture levels, which can be important for calla lilies that are sensitive to extremes.
In terms of aesthetics, potted calla lilies can make a dramatic statement, particularly when planted in large containers or massed together.
However, those grown in the ground will often spread and naturalize over time, creating a lovely drift of color.
Ultimately, the best method for growing calla lilies will depend on your individual gardening conditions and preferences.
Do Calla Lilies Come Back Every Year?
The answer to this question depends on the type of calla lily in question. Some varieties of calla lily are annuals, meaning they will die off after blooming once and will not come back the following year.
Other varieties are perennial, meaning they will bloom multiple times over the course of several years.
Still, other varieties are known as bulbs, which can be replanted every year and will typically bloom each spring.
So, when it comes to calla lilies, it is important to know which type you have before making any decisions about whether or not to replant them.
With that said, many gardeners find that the beauty of these flowers is well worth the effort required to keep them blooming year after year.
Grow Calla Lilies in This Year’s Garden – You Won’t Regret It!
If you’re looking for an easy-to-grow flower to add to your garden this year, calla lilies should be at the top of your list.
With just a little bit of care, these beautiful flowers will thrive and reward you with years of gorgeous blooms.
Rebekah is a full-time homesteader. On her 22 acres, she raises chickens, sheep, and bees, not to mention she grows a wide variety of veggies. She has a huge greenhouse and does lots of DIY projects with her husband in her ever-growing homesteading endeavor. Learn more about Rebekah here.