How To Grow Classic Calla Lilies

Calla lilies are an easy to grow summer flowering bulb. They make an excellent addition to the garden border or cut flower garden, and are particularly suited to container gardening. Calla lilies are a classic, long lasting cut flower. The lush foliage looks great in the garden and makes an excellent companion for other flowering plants.

Plant your calla lily bulbs into the garden in spring after all danger of frost has passed. It is best to wait until the soil has warmed to about 18C/65F. In regions with a very short growing season, you can give your calla a head start by planting them in a pot indoors approximately one month before planting outdoors.

Select a planting site with full sun and well draining soil. Dig in compost and organic soil amendments.

Dig your planting hole to a depth of 3” to 4”. Place bulb in planting hole with eyes (growing tips) facing upward. Plant your bulbs approximately 6” apart. Cover with soil and water lightly. Once growth begins to emerge you may continue with a full watering regime.

Calla lilies make excellent candidates for container gardening. Be sure to use a quality potting soil, rather than garden soil in your containers. In containers, you can space your bulbs slightly closer at 4” apart. Water lightly until growth emerges. Continue with a full watering regime once leaves appear.

Calla lilies are winter hardy in zone 8 and warmer. In colder regions they can be grown either as an annual, or dug up in the autumn, allowing you to store the bulb indoors for the winter, and then replanted the following spring.