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You can grow and care for calla lilies successfully with the right balance of sunlight, water, and soil.
These elegant blooms are easier than most gardeners expect, and the way to grow and care for calla lilies comes down to mimicking their native South African habitat.
When you understand how to grow and care for calla lilies, you unlock months of sleek, trumpet-shaped flowers in white, pink, yellow, and deep purple.
In this post, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about growing and caring for calla lilies, from planting rhizomes to overwintering, so you can enjoy their beauty year after year.
Let’s dig in.
Why Calla Lilies Are Worth The Effort For Grow And Care
Calla lilies are not true lilies, but their dramatic, funnel-shaped spathes make them stand out in any garden bed or container.
The key to grow and care for calla lilies successfully is understanding that they are tender perennials, meaning they thrive in warm climates but need special attention in colder zones.
Once you get the basics of how to grow and care for calla lilies, they become remarkably low-maintenance plants.
1. Calla Lilies Thrive In The Right Hardiness Zones
To grow and care for calla lilies outdoors, you need to know your growing zone.
Calla lilies are hardy in USDA zones 8 through 10, where they can stay in the ground year-round.
If you live in a zone colder than 8, you can still grow and care for calla lilies by treating them as annuals or lifting the rhizomes before the first frost.
Gardeners in cooler climates often grow and care for calla lilies in pots, which makes it much easier to move them indoors when temperatures drop.
2. Sunlight And Shade For Healthy Growth
When learning how to grow and care for calla lilies, sunlight is one of the most critical factors.
Calla lilies prefer full sun in cooler climates, but they appreciate some afternoon shade in hot summer regions.
Aim for about six hours of morning sun and dappled afternoon shade to grow and care for calla lilies without scorching their leaves.
If the leaves look bleached or crispy at the edges, they’re getting too much direct sun.
3. Soil That Drains Well Is Non-Negotiable
Calla lilies love moisture, but they absolutely hate soggy feet.
To grow and care for calla lilies properly, plant them in rich, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Amend heavy clay soil with compost or aged bark to improve drainage before planting.
This soil preparation is the foundation for how to grow and care for calla lilies successfully, as waterlogged roots will quickly rot.
Step-By-Step Guide To Plant Calla Lilies Like A Pro
Now that you know the conditions they love, let’s talk about the actual planting process.
Knowing how to grow and care for calla lilies starts with getting the rhizomes in the ground correctly.
1. Timing Your Planting Right
The best time to plant calla lily rhizomes is in spring, after all danger of frost has passed.
The soil temperature should be at least 60°F (15°C) for ideal germination.
If you’re starting calla lilies indoors, begin them about six to eight weeks before your last frost date.
This head start helps you grow and care for calla lilies that bloom earlier in the season.
2. Planting Depth And Spacing
Plant calla lily rhizomes about 2 to 3 inches deep with the pointed side facing upward.
Space them 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for airflow and proper growth.
If you’re growing calla lilies in containers, use a pot that’s at least 10 inches deep and wide enough to accommodate the rhizomes without crowding.
3. Watering Immediately After Planting
Give your calla lilies a deep watering right after planting to settle the soil around the rhizomes.
Then, maintain consistent moisture without letting the soil become waterlogged.
This initial watering routine is a crucial part of how to grow and care for calla lilies, as it encourages strong root development.
Essential Calla Lily Care Tips For Lush Blooms
Once your calla lilies are established, ongoing care is simple, but there are a few key rules to follow.
1. Watering Schedule That Balances Moisture
Calla lilies need about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental watering.
During hot, dry spells, you may need to water more frequently.
The trick is to keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy.
Check the top inch of soil; if it feels dry, it’s time to water.
This balance is the heart of how to grow and care for calla lilies, because both drought and overwatering can stress them.
2. Fertilizing For Bigger, Longer-Lasting Flowers
Feed calla lilies with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season.
Use a 10-10-10 formula applied at half strength to avoid burning the roots.
Once buds begin to form, you can switch to a high-phosphorus fertilizer to encourage more vibrant blooms.
Proper feeding is an often-overlooked part of how to grow and care for calla lilies, but it makes a huge difference.
3. Deadheading Spent Blooms
To keep your calla lilies looking their best, remove faded flowers by cutting the stem down to the base.
Deadheading prevents the plant from putting energy into seed production.
Instead, that energy goes toward growing new rhizomes and producing more flowers.
This simple maintenance step is a key trick in how to grow and care for calla lilies for continuous bloom.
Overwintering Calla Lilies For Cold Climates
If you live outside zones 8-10, you’ll need to protect your calla lilies from freezing temperatures.
1. Lifting And Storing Rhizomes
After the foliage dies back in fall, gently dig up the rhizomes and shake off the soil.
Let them dry in a warm, airy place for a few days, then trim away any remaining leaves.
Store the rhizomes in a box filled with dry peat moss or vermiculite at around 50°F (10°C).
This overwintering method is how to grow and care for calla lilies so they return stronger the next spring.
2. Overwintering Potted Calla Lilies
For calla lilies in containers, simply move the pots indoors to a cool, dark room like a garage or basement.
Stop watering them once the leaves die back, and let the soil dry out completely.
In spring, resume watering and you’ll see new growth emerge.
Common Pests And Diseases To Watch For
Even with perfect care, calla lilies can occasionally face issues.
Aphids And Spider Mites
These tiny pests can suck the sap from calla lily leaves and buds.
Wash them off with a strong jet of water or apply insecticidal soap.
Regularly inspecting your plants is part of routine grow and care for calla lilies.
Root Rot And Fungal Diseases
Root rot is the most common disease in calla lilies, and it’s caused by overwatering.
If you notice yellowing, wilting leaves, reduce watering and improve drainage.
Avoid overhead watering to keep fungal spots from forming on the foliage.
So, How Do You Grow And Care For Calla Lilies?
Calla lilies grow beautifully when you provide full sun to partial shade, well-draining soil, and consistent moisture.
Plant rhizomes in spring, feed them regularly, deadhead spent flowers, and lift them for winter in cold zones.
With these steps on how to grow and care for calla lilies, you’ll enjoy elegant, sculptural blooms season after season.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, the way to grow and care for calla lilies is truly rewarding and easier than you think.
So grab some rhizomes, find a sunny spot, and get ready to watch these stunning plants thrive in your garden.