Calla Lily Picture: Tom MacCubbin
(Click to Enlarge)
One bulb-like plant found at garden centers but seldom
purchased is the calla lily. Possibly the plants look too
exotic to grow in your yard or maybe you've had a little
bad luck in the past. This can change by giving the plants
just a little extra care.
Calla lilies grow from
rhizomes. Gardeners can pick from the traditional white
or yellow flowered types or give one of the newer pink,
orange or red hybrids a try. Normally they are
purchased as a small cluster of rhizomes ready for
planting. They can be planted in the ground but appear to
do better in a container where you can control the water.
Plant in a six inch or larger container filled with
potting soil. Sink the rhizomes an inch or two deep in the
soil. Then moisten the planted container until water runs
from the bottom. Set the pot in a saucer and allow the
excess water to collect and be available for plant use.
Part of the secret to calla care appears to be keeping the
growing plants moist.
Following are a few more tips
to help care for callas started from rhizomes or purchased
as flowering plants.
Grow the plants with morning sun and
afternoon shade or a full day of filtered sun.
Water when the surface of the soil just
begins to dry.
Feed lightly with a 20-20-20 or similar
fertilizer solution every other week.
Protect from winds that could damage
the foliage and blooms.
Control chewing insects as needed with
natural treatments.
Most calla lilies bloom in 8 to 10 weeks from the planted rhizomes.
Some may need two years of culture to produce their first flowers.
The blooms and foliage usually declines by early to mid summer. Keep
the rhizomes in their containers and on the dry side until ready to
grow again during the fall and winter months.
Most calla lilies bloom in 8 to 10 weeks from the planted rhizomes.
Some may need two years of culture to produce their first flowers.
The blooms and foliage usually declines by early to mid summer. Keep
the rhizomes in their containers and on the dry side until ready to
grow again during the fall and winter months.
