How to Plant Calla Lilly Bulbs

Calla lilies make a wonderful addition to a garden.

The Calla Lily is a beautiful addition to any garden, and a favorite in arrangements. Calla Lilies can be grown outdoors in warmer climates from USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 7 to 10. In colder climates, 7 or less, Calla Lilies make beautiful indoor or container specimens.

Choose a suitable location in your garden for your Calla Lilies. Callas prefer full sun to partial shade; choose a partial shade area in warmer climates. Calla Lilies grow 1 to 3 feet in height and 1 to 1 ½ feet in diameter. They come in a variety of shades such as white, green, pink, purple, yellow and orange. Choose colors that compliment other flowers in your garden.

Things You'll Need

• Bulbs (quantity depending on size of your plot)
• Spade shovel

Instructions

1. Loosed the soil with your spade shovel before planting. The soil should be mixture of 1/3 rotten manure to equal parts loamy soil. Add a little sand for a balanced mixture. The pH should be close to 6.6. Calla Lilies prefer moist soil, but won't do well in standing water. Make sure the soil drains well.

   Plant bulbs 4 to 6 inches deep, and 1 to 2 feet apart. In warm climates, bulbs can be planted any time of the year. In colder areas, plant bulbs after the danger of frost is over and the temperature remains at, or above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the bulbs are planted, soak the soil.

2. Water the soil often. Make sure soil is moist, not soaked, at all times. Calla Lilies require little maintenance other than watering.

3. Leave the dead foliage once the lilies have stopped blooming. It will provide nutrients for next season's blooms.

4. Leave the bulb in the ground if you live in zones 8 to 10. Mulch the bulbs with several inches of bark or straw. In colder climates, lift the bulbs. Dig in a circular motion around the plant, 6 to 8 inches from the center of the plant. Clean the excess soil off the bulb, let it dry in the sun for two or three days, and store in a dry location at a temperature of 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

References

• Easy to Grow Bulbs: Calla Lily Growing Information
• Calla Lily Guide: Calla Lilies
• Pacific Callas: Calla Lily Planting Guide
• Gardeners Gardening: Calla Lily Bulb Is A Treat For Your Garden