How To Get Seeds From Calla Lilies

You can get seeds from calla lilies by harvesting the small, hard seeds that form inside the berry-like fruits after the flowers have been pollinated and faded.
 
If you’ve been admiring your calla lilies and wondering how to get seeds from calla lilies for new plants, you’re in the right place.
 
Getting seeds from calla lilies is a fun and rewarding project, though it does require a bit of patience and the right timing.
 
In this post, we’ll walk you through exactly how to get seeds from calla lilies, from spotting the seed pods to planting the seeds successfully.
 
Let’s dig into the process so you can start growing your own calla lilies from seed.
 

How To Get Seeds From Calla Lilies: The Complete Process

The process of getting seeds from calla lilies starts with understanding how these beautiful plants reproduce.
 
Calla lilies are not true lilies, but they do produce seeds when their flowers are successfully pollinated.
 
To get seeds from calla lilies, you’ll need to let the flower go through its full life cycle, which means not deadheading the blooms too early.
 
Here are the steps you’ll follow to successfully get seeds from calla lilies in your own garden.
 

1. Let The Flowers Pollinate And Fade

The first step to get seeds from calla lilies is to allow the flowers to remain on the plant until they naturally dry out and fall off.
 
When calla lily flowers are left alone, bees and other pollinators will often do the work of transferring pollen for you.
 
If you want to be more hands-on, you can hand-pollinate by using a small paintbrush to move pollen from one flower to another.
 
Once the spathe (the colorful petal-like part) fades and drops away, you’ll notice a green pod forming at the base of the flower.
 
This green pod is the ovary, and inside it are the seeds you’re hoping to collect.
 

2. Wait For The Seed Pod To Mature

After the flower fades, you need to leave the green pod on the plant for several weeks to let the seeds mature.
 
The pod will gradually swell and change color, often turning from green to a yellowish or even orange tone as it ripens.
 
This waiting period is crucial because immature seeds won’t germinate well, so patience is key when you’re trying to get seeds from calla lilies.
 
Keep an eye on the pod because if it splits open on its own, you might lose the tiny seeds to the ground.
 

3. Harvest The Berries And Extract The Seeds

Once the pod feels soft and starts to show signs of splitting, it’s time to harvest it from the plant.
 
Cut the entire pod off with a clean pair of scissors or pruning shears.
 
Inside the pod, you’ll find small, berry-like structures that each contain one or more seeds.
 
Gently squeeze these berries to pop out the tiny, round seeds, which are usually a dark brown or black color.
 
Rinse the seeds in water to remove any sticky pulp or residue that could promote mold during storage.
 

4. Dry And Store The Seeds Properly

After you get seeds from calla lilies, you need to dry them thoroughly before storing or planting.
 
Spread the rinsed seeds on a paper towel and let them air dry for a few days in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
 
Once they are completely dry, place them in a labeled paper envelope or a small glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
 
Store the seeds in a cool, dark location, like a refrigerator, where they can remain viable for up to a year or more.
 
Proper storage ensures your collected seeds stay healthy until you’re ready to sow them.
 

Tips For Successfully Germinating Calla Lily Seeds

Now that you know how to get seeds from calla lilies, the next step is figuring out how to get those seeds to sprout.
 
Calla lily seeds can be a little stubborn, but with the right conditions, you’ll see tiny seedlings in no time.
 
Here are some expert tips for getting your freshly collected calla lily seeds to germinate.
 

1. Soak The Seeds Before Planting

Soaking calla lily seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting can help soften the seed coat and speed up germination.
 
This simple step mimics the natural wet season these plants experience and signals to the seed that it’s time to grow.
 

2. Use A Seed Starting Mix

Plant your seeds in a well-draining seed starting mix rather than heavy garden soil.
 
Press the seeds lightly into the surface of the mix, but don’t bury them too deep, as they need some light to germinate.
 
Keep the mix consistently moist but not waterlogged, and cover the tray with a clear plastic lid to create a mini greenhouse effect.
 

3. Provide Warmth And Patience

Calla lily seeds germinate best at temperatures around 70–75°F (21–24°C).
 
Place the seed tray in a warm spot with bright, indirect light, and be prepared to wait.
 
Germination can take anywhere from two weeks to two months, so don’t give up if you don’t see sprouts right away.
 
Once the seedlings have a few true leaves, you can transplant them into individual pots and grow them on until they’re big enough for the garden.
 

Common Mistakes When Getting Seeds From Calla Lilies

Even when you know how to get seeds from calla lilies, a few common pitfalls can ruin your harvest.
 
Avoid these mistakes to ensure your seed saving efforts are a success.
 

1. Cutting The Flower Too Early

If you cut the calla lily flower for a vase while it’s still in full bloom, you’ll never get a seed pod.
 
You must let the flower completely fade on the plant to give the seeds a chance to develop.
 

2. Harvesting The Pod Too Soon

Patience is everything when you’re trying to get seeds from calla lilies.
 
If you pick the green pod before it’s mature, the seeds inside will be pale, soft, and non-viable.
 
Always wait until the pod has fully ripened and begun to soften or split on its own.
 

3. Not Cleaning The Seeds Thoroughly

Leaving pulp on the seeds can lead to fungal growth during storage.
 
Take the time to rinse and dry your seeds properly so they stay healthy for months.
 

So, How Do You Get Seeds From Calla Lilies?

You can get seeds from calla lilies by letting the flowers fade, allowing the seed pods to mature on the plant, and then harvesting the tiny seeds inside the berries.
 
The process is simple but requires patience and a watchful eye on the pods as they develop.
 
Once you’ve collected and dried the seeds, you can store them or plant them right away to grow new calla lilies.
 
Remember that seed-grown calla lilies may take two to three years to bloom, but that wait makes the flowers even more special.
 
So, the next time you see those elegant calla lily blooms in your garden, you’ll know exactly how to get seeds from calla lilies and start a whole new generation of plants.
 
Happy seed saving, and enjoy the journey of growing your calla lilies from scratch.