How to Fertilize a Calla Lilly

Garden calla lilies need fertilizing once a year.

Calla lilies (Zantedeschia spp.) produce trumpet shaped flowers that bloom in an array of colors, including yellow, pink and white. They grow from tender rhizomes that, in most climates, are planted in the spring and excavated in the fall for winter storage. Callas also can be grown in pots. To help your calla lilies root and bloom well, fertilize them in the spring right after planting. If you are growing them in pots, more feedings will be necessary for them to thrive.

Things You'll Need

• Fertilizer
• Garden hose

Instructions

1. Select a 5-10-10 or 5-10-5 fertilizer to fertilize garden calla lilies, according to the University of Minnesota. If your calla lilies are growing in pots, select an all purpose houseplant fertilizer or bulb fertilizer low in nitrogen.

2. Sprinkle the fertilizer evenly over the top each planting hole. Do this after backfilling the soil and covering up the rhizomes. Use the rate of fertilizer as listed on the label. For potted callas, sprinkle the fertilizer evenly around the plant.

3. Water the fertilizer into the soil with approximately 1 inch of water. Water helps the fertilizer work its way to the rhizomes.

4. Reapply the fertilizer every two weeks if you are growing your calla lilies in pots. When they are flowering, feed them once a week. Once the foliage turns yellow, stop fertilizing. Resume fertilizing when new growth appears in the spring.

References

• University of Minnesota Extension: Calla and Canna Lilies
• North Dakota State University Extension: Questions on -- Lilies
• Campbell’s Nursery: Calla Lilies