Your Cool Home is supported by its readers. Please assume all links are affiliate links. If you purchase something from one of our links, we make a small commission from Amazon. Thank you!
You grow calla lilies by planting their rhizomes in well-draining soil, providing bright but indirect light, and keeping the soil consistently moist without overwatering.
Growing calla lilies is a rewarding experience because these elegant flowers bring a touch of sophistication to any garden or indoor space.
If you’ve been wondering how do you grow calla lilies successfully, the good news is that they’re not fussy plants once you understand their basic needs.
Whether you’re planting them outdoors in garden beds or in pots on your patio, learning how to grow calla lilies starts with getting the fundamentals right.
In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about growing calla lilies, from planting and watering to overwintering and troubleshooting.
Let’s dig in and get your calla lilies thriving.
How Do You Grow Calla Lilies: The Basics
When you ask how do you grow calla lilies, the answer begins with understanding that these plants grow from rhizomes, not bulbs.
Calla lilies are native to southern Africa, so they love warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight, but they don’t like intense afternoon heat.
To grow calla lilies successfully, you need to mimic their natural habitat as closely as possible.
That means providing them with rich, loamy soil that drains well and a spot where they can get morning sun and afternoon shade.
If you’re growing calla lilies indoors, place them near a bright window where they’ll receive filtered light for most of the day.
Here are the core steps for how to grow calla lilies from the moment you get your rhizomes.
1. Choosing the Right Rhizomes
When you grow calla lilies, the quality of your rhizomes matters more than almost anything else.
Look for plump, firm rhizomes that feel heavy for their size and show no signs of shriveling or mold.
If you’re buying calla lilies online or from a nursery, check that the rhizomes are at least a few inches in diameter for the best blooming results.
Larger rhizomes typically produce more flowers, so don’t be tempted by tiny bargain packs.
Once you have healthy rhizomes, you’re ready to plant them.
2. Planting Depth and Spacing
To grow calla lilies properly, plant each rhizome about 4 inches deep with the pointed side facing up.
Space them 12 to 18 inches apart to give the foliage room to spread and allow for good air circulation.
If you’re growing calla lilies in containers, choose a pot that’s at least 12 inches deep with drainage holes at the bottom.
You can plant multiple rhizomes in a larger container, just keep about 6 inches between each one.
Water thoroughly after planting, but don’t let the soil become soggy until you see sprouts emerging.
3. Soil and Sunlight Requirements
The best way to grow calla lilies is in soil that’s rich in organic matter, like compost or well-rotted manure.
Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth.
Calla lilies love full sun in cooler climates, but if you live somewhere hot, they’ll appreciate some afternoon shade.
When you grow calla lilies in warmer zones, too much direct sun can cause the leaves to scorch and the flowers to fade quickly.
If your soil is heavy clay, mix in some sand or perlite to improve drainage before planting.
Growing Calla Lilies: Watering and Feeding Tips
Once your calla lilies are established, how do you grow calla lilies that bloom abundantly?
It all comes down to consistent moisture and regular feeding during the growing season.
Calla lilies are thirsty plants, but they despise standing water.
The goal is to keep the soil evenly moist, like a wrung-out sponge, never bone dry and never waterlogged.
Here’s how to nail the watering and feeding routine when growing calla lilies.
1. Watering Frequency
Water your calla lilies deeply once or twice a week, depending on your climate and the time of year.
Check the top inch of soil with your finger before watering; if it feels dry, it’s time to water.
During hot, dry spells, you may need to water more frequently to keep the soil from drying out.
For calla lilies grown in pots, they may need watering every day or two because containers dry out faster than garden soil.
Always water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and prevent fungal issues.
2. Fertilizing for Healthy Growth
To grow calla lilies with big, vibrant blooms, feed them monthly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
Look for something like a 10-10-10 formula or a bloom booster with higher phosphorus, like 5-10-10.
Start fertilizing when the sprouts are about 6 inches tall and continue every four weeks until flowering stops.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers because they’ll encourage lots of leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
If you’re growing calla lilies in containers, use a slow-release fertilizer mixed into the soil at planting time.
3. Mulching and Moisture Retention
A layer of organic mulch, like straw or shredded bark, helps keep the soil cool and retains moisture.
Apply about 2 inches of mulch around your calla lilies, but keep it away from the stems to avoid rot.
Mulch also suppresses weeds that compete with your calla lilies for water and nutrients.
This simple step makes growing calla lilies much easier, especially during summer heat.
Growing Calla Lilies in Containers vs. Garden Beds
You can grow calla lilies both in the ground and in pots, and both methods work well if you follow the right approach.
Garden beds give calla lilies more room to spread and naturalize, meaning they’ll multiply over time.
Containers, on the other hand, let you move your calla lilies to the perfect light conditions or bring them indoors for winter.
Here’s what you need to know about how do you grow calla lilies in each setting.
1. In Garden Beds
When you grow calla lilies in garden beds, choose a spot that’s sheltered from strong winds.
Tall varieties can grow up to 3 feet tall, and wind can snap their stems or tangle their elegant blooms.
Plant them in clusters of three or more for a fuller, more dramatic display.
In mild climates, you can leave calla lilies in the ground year-round and they’ll come back each spring.
In colder zones, you’ll need to dig up the rhizomes before the first frost.
2. In Containers
Growing calla lilies in pots is perfect if you have limited space or want to enjoy them on a balcony.
Use a potting mix designed for containers, which will drain well and provide decent aeration.
Make sure the pot has adequate drainage holes; then add a layer of gravel at the bottom for extra insurance.
You can start calla lilies indoors in pots and move them outside once all danger of frost has passed.
Container-grown calla lilies may need repotting every couple of years as the rhizomes multiply.
Common Problems When You Grow Calla Lilies
Even with the best care, you might run into a few issues while growing calla lilies.
The good news is that most problems are easy to fix once you know what to look for.
Here are the most common challenges and how do you grow calla lilies through them successfully.
1. Yellowing Leaves
Yellow leaves on calla lilies usually mean you’re watering too much or the soil isn’t draining properly.
Cut back on watering and check that the drainage is adequate.
If the yellowing is accompanied by wilting, it could be root rot from soggy conditions.
You may need to dig up the rhizomes, trim away any mushy parts, and replant in fresh, well-draining soil.
2. No Blooms
If your calla lilies aren’t flowering, they’re probably not getting enough sunlight or phosphorus.
Move them to a brighter location or switch to a bloom-boosting fertilizer.
Also, make sure the rhizomes are planted shallow enough; planting too deep can delay or prevent flowering.
Sometimes, young rhizomes simply need a season to establish before they bloom.
3. Pests and Diseases
Aphids and spider mites can sometimes bother calla lilies, especially when grown indoors.
Treat them with insecticidal soap or a strong spray of water to knock the pests off.
Powdery mildew can appear if the foliage stays wet and air circulation is poor.
Space your calla lilies properly and water at the base to keep fungal issues at bay.
So, How Do You Grow Calla Lilies Successfully?
You grow calla lilies successfully by planting healthy rhizomes in well-draining soil, providing bright light, and maintaining consistent moisture.
The key is balance: enough water to keep them happy, but not so much that the roots rot.
Feed them regularly during the growing season, and protect them from intense afternoon heat in warmer climates.
Whether you grow calla lilies in the garden or in pots, these elegant plants will reward you with stunning blooms from late spring through summer.
Remember to overwinter your rhizomes in colder zones by digging them up and storing them in a dry, cool place.
If you’ve been wondering how do you grow calla lilies, now you have a complete roadmap for success.
Get your hands on some quality rhizomes, give them the care they need, and enjoy the beauty they bring to your space.