How To Plant Calla Lily Bulbs Spring is a time of renewal, when the bleakness of winter fades away and new life bursts forth in every direction. One of the surest signs that spring is on its way is the appearance of calla lilies, their trumpet-shaped blooms nodding in the breeze. Planting calla lily bulbs is easy, and the results are well worth the effort. Here’s how to get started:
How To Plant Calla Lily Bulbs
- First, choose a location for your callas. They need full sun or partial shade, and soil that is moist but not soggy.
- Dig a hole twice as deep as the bulb is tall, and plant it so the top half of the bulb is above ground.
- Cover it with soil and water thoroughly. Callas are not fussy about soil, but they do prefer it to be on the acidic side.
- You can achieve this by adding some peat moss to the hole before planting.
Calla lilies are not heavy feeders, but they will benefit from a little fertilizer when they first start growing in the spring. Use a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10, and apply it according to the package directions. Once the callas are blooming, you can stop fertilizing them.
Watering
Water your calla lilies regularly, especially during hot weather. They like moist soil, but too much water will cause the bulbs to rot. If you’re not sure whether or not to water, stick your finger in the soil near the plant. If it feels dry an inch below the surface, it’s time to water.
Blooming
After the calla lilies have bloomed and the flowers have begun to fade, cut back the stems to just above the ground.
The leaves will continue to grow and will help nourish the bulbs for next year’s blooms. In late fall, when the leaves have died back, you can dig up the bulbs and store them indoors over winter.
Or, if you live in an area where the ground doesn’t freeze, you can leave them in place and enjoy their beauty year after year.
How Long Does It Take To Grow Calla Lilies From Bulbs?
It takes around six to eight weeks for calla lilies to grow from bulbs. During this time, make sure to keep the bulbs in a warm and humid environment with plenty of bright light.
Once the plants have sprouted, you can gradually acclimate them to cooler temperatures and drier conditions. With proper care, your calla lilies should bloom within three to four months.
What Is The Best Way To Plant Calla Lily Bulbs?
There are a few things to keep in mind when planting calla lily bulbs:
- Choose a location that receives full sun or partial shade and has well-drained soil.
- Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter before planting.
- Plant the bulbs 2-3 times deeper than their width. Space the bulbs 6-8 inches apart.
- Water the bulbs regularly, especially during dry spells. Too much or too little water can cause the bulbs to rot.
What Are Some Tips For Caring For Calla Lilies?
Here are a few care tips for calla lilies:
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
- Cut back the plants after they bloom to encourage new growth.
- Lift and divide overcrowded clumps every few years.
- Protect the plants from frost in winter by mulching heavily around the base of the plants.
With proper care, calla lilies will thrive and provide beautiful blooms for many years to come.
Conclusion:
Although calla lily bulbs are not difficult to plant, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make sure your plants thrive. If you follow these simple steps and give your new Callas some TLC, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful blooms for years to come. Have you planted calla lilies before? Let me know in the comments how it went!