How To Harvest Calla Lilies

To harvest calla lilies, you need to wait for the right time and use the proper technique.
 
If you’ve been wondering exactly how to harvest calla lilies, the process is simpler than you might think.
 
Whether you want to harvest calla lily blooms for stunning cut flowers or harvest calla lily rhizomes for storage and replanting, timing is everything.
 
In this post, we’ll walk you through the complete process so you can harvest calla lilies successfully, preserve your plants, and keep them blooming season after season.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

When to Harvest Calla Lilies for Best Results

Knowing when to harvest calla lilies depends on what part of the plant you’re after.
 
The two main reasons you’d want to harvest calla lilies are for fresh flowers and for the underground rhizomes.
 

1. Harvest Calla Lily Blooms for Cutting

You can harvest calla lily flowers as soon as the blooms are fully open and the spathe has unfurled completely.
 
The best time of day to harvest calla lily stems is early morning when the plants are most hydrated.
 
Cut the stem at an angle about one inch above the soil line, and place it immediately in a bucket of cool water.
 
If you’re planning to use them in arrangements, wait until the flower’s color is deep and rich, as this signals peak freshness.
 

2. Harvest Calla Lily Rhizomes After the Foliage Dies Back

If you need to harvest calla lily rhizomes, wait until the leaves turn yellow and begin to flop over.
 
The foliage dying back is nature’s way of telling you the plant has stored enough energy for next season.
 
This usually happens in late summer to early fall, depending on your growing zone.
 
Never rush this step because harvesting calla lily rhizomes too early can result in weak or no blooms next year.
 

How to Harvest Calla Lily Rhizomes Step by Step

Let’s get into the exact steps on how to harvest calla lily rhizomes so you don’t damage them.
 
You want to be gentle and methodical to keep the rhizomes healthy for storage.
 

1. Stop Watering Before Harvest

About two weeks before you plan to harvest calla lily rhizomes, stop watering the plant completely.
 
This allows the soil to dry out and the rhizomes to firm up, which makes them less prone to rot.
 
Drier soil also makes it easier to lift the entire clump without it crumbling apart.
 

2. Lift the Entire Clump Carefully

Use a garden fork or a spade to gently loosen the soil around the plant, staying at least six inches away from the stems.
 
Push the fork under the root ball and lift the whole clump out of the ground.
 
Shake off the excess soil but don’t wash the rhizomes yet, as wetness during harvest can lead to mold later.
 

3. Cure the Rhizomes Before Storing

Place the clump in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area for about one to two weeks.
 
This curing process is a critical part of how to harvest calla lilies because it lets the skin toughen up and any minor cuts heal.
 
Once cured, you can brush off the remaining dirt and separate the individual rhizomes by gently snapping them apart.
 
Make sure each division has at least one eye or growth bud.
 

Common Mistakes When You Harvest Calla Lilies

Even seasoned gardeners can make a few errors when they harvest calla lilies, so let’s cover the most common ones.
 
Avoiding these will save you from disappointing blooms or rotten rhizomes.
 

1. Harvesting Too Early

The biggest mistake is harvesting calla lily rhizomes before the foliage has fully yellowed.
 
If the leaves are still green and upright, the plant is still photosynthesizing and storing energy.
 
Cutting it short means the rhizome won’t have enough reserves to bloom well next year.
 
Patience is your best friend here.
 

2. Storing Rhizomes While Wet

Another common error is storing rhizomes right after digging them up without curing.
 
Any moisture left on the skin can quickly turn into rot during storage.
 
Always let them dry thoroughly, and when you do store them, wrap them in dry peat moss or newspaper.
 

3. Cutting Stems Too Short for Flowers

When you harvest calla lily blooms for vases, avoid cutting the stems too short.
 
Longer stems not only look better but also allow the flower to drink more water, extending vase life.
 
Use clean, sharp shears and recut the stems under water before placing them in a vase.
 

Storing Your Harvested Calla Lily Rhizomes

Once you’ve taken the time to harvest calla lily rhizomes, proper storage is the final key step.
 
Here’s how to keep them safe through the winter.
 

1. Choose a Cool, Dark Location

Place the cured rhizomes in a cardboard box or mesh bag filled with dry peat moss or vermiculite.
 
Store the box in a cool, dark place with temperatures between 45°F and 55°F (7°C to 13°C).
 
A basement or garage shelf works well as long as it stays dry and frost-free.
 

2. Check Them Monthly

Once a month, open the box and check for any signs of shriveling, mold, or rot.
 
Remove any soft or damaged rhizomes immediately to prevent them from affecting the healthy ones.
 
If any rhizome feels shriveled, mist it lightly with water and place it back in the peat.
 

So, How Do You Harvest Calla Lilies?

To harvest calla lilies, you cut the blooms when they’re fully open and lift the rhizomes only after the foliage has died back.
 
You harvest calla lily flowers for their beauty, and you harvest calla lily rhizomes for their future potential.
 
The whole process comes down to timing, gentle handling, and proper curing and storage.
 
When you harvest calla lilies the right way, you’ll be rewarded with healthier plants and even more gorgeous flowers next season.
 
So grab your garden fork, wait for those leaves to yellow, and enjoy the satisfying job of harvesting your calla lilies.