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Yes, you can transplant calla lilies in the fall, and it’s actually one of the best times to do it for many gardeners.
Transplanting calla lilies in the fall works beautifully if you live in a region with mild winters or if you’re planning to lift and store the rhizomes indoors.
The key is understanding your climate, the plant’s growth cycle, and the timing of your first frost.
In this post, we’ll explore why fall is a great season for transplanting calla lilies, how to do it step by step, and what mistakes to avoid.
Let’s dig into the details so your calla lilies thrive after their big move.
Why You Can Transplant Calla Lilies in the Fall
Transplanting calla lilies in the fall is not only possible, but it’s also a smart strategy for dividing overcrowded clumps or relocating them to a better spot.
Calla lilies are tender perennials, meaning they grow from rhizomes that store energy for the next season.
When you transplant calla lilies in the fall, you’re working with a plant that’s naturally slowing down its top growth and focusing energy on its underground storage organs.
This makes the rhizomes more resilient to the stress of being moved.
1. Fall Matches the Calla Lily’s Dormancy Cycle
Calla lilies naturally begin to enter dormancy as temperatures drop and daylight hours shorten.
Transplanting calla lilies in the fall aligns perfectly with this cycle because the plant is less focused on producing leaves and flowers.
When you dig up the rhizomes during this quiet period, you minimize shock and give the roots time to settle before winter.
In warmer climates where the ground doesn’t freeze, fall transplanting allows the rhizomes to establish new roots well before spring growth.
2. Fall Is Ideal for Dividing Overgrown Clumps
If your calla lilies have been in the same spot for a few years, they likely form dense clumps that compete for nutrients.
Transplanting calla lilies in the fall gives you the perfect opportunity to divide these clumps into smaller sections.
Each division with at least one healthy bud can be replanted to create new plants.
This not only rejuvenates your original plants but also gives you free calla lilies for other parts of your garden.
3. Fall Soil Temperatures Encourage Root Growth
The soil in early fall is still warm from summer, which is exactly what calla lily rhizomes need to push out new roots.
When you transplant calla lilies in the fall, those roots get a head start before the ground cools down.
Roots grow best in soil temperatures between 60°F and 70°F, and early autumn often provides those conditions.
This root development is crucial for helping the plant survive winter and burst into growth come spring.
How to Transplant Calla Lilies in the Fall
You can transplant calla lilies in the fall with just a few simple tools and some careful handling.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to get it right the first time.
1. Wait Until After the Foliage Dies Back
The most important rule for transplanting calla lilies in the fall is to wait until the leaves have yellowed and died back naturally.
This usually happens after the first light frost, but before a hard freeze.
The dying foliage signals that the rhizomes have absorbed all the nutrients they need for next year.
If you dig too early, the rhizomes won’t have stored enough energy, and the plant may struggle.
2. Dig Carefully Around the Root Zone
Use a garden fork or a spade to loosen the soil about 8 to 10 inches away from the base of the plant.
Transplanting calla lilies in the fall requires gentle digging because the rhizomes are brittle and can snap easily.
Lift the entire clump out of the ground, shake off excess soil, and inspect the rhizomes for any signs of rot or damage.
Healthy rhizomes are firm and plump, while soft or mushy ones should be discarded.
3. Divide the Rhizomes If Needed
With a clean, sharp knife, cut the clump into sections, making sure each piece has at least one growing point or “eye.”
Allow the cut surfaces to dry for a day or two before replanting, as this helps prevent rot.
If you’re transplanting calla lilies in the fall and plan to store them, skip the drying step and move straight to curing.
4. Replant at the Correct Depth
Plant the rhizomes about 4 inches deep, with the growing buds facing upward.
Space them 12 to 18 inches apart to give each plant room to spread.
Water them thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
If you’re in a cold zone, add a thick layer of mulch to insulate the soil and protect the rhizomes from freezing.
5. For Cold Climates, Store the Rhizomes Indoors
If you live in an area where the ground freezes solid, you can transplant calla lilies in the fall into containers instead.
Or, you can lift the rhizomes, let them dry for a few days, and store them in a cool, dry place like a basement.
Pack them in peat moss or sawdust to keep them from drying out completely.
This way, you can plant them again in spring after the danger of frost has passed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Transplanting Calla Lilies in the Fall
Transplanting calla lilies in the fall is easy, but there are a few pitfalls that can ruin your efforts.
Avoid these common errors to keep your plants healthy.
1. Digging Too Early
One of the biggest mistakes is digging up the rhizomes while the foliage is still green.
When you transplant calla lilies in the fall too early, the rhizomes haven’t finished storing energy.
This leads to weaker plants or even failure to bloom the following season.
Patience is key, so let the leaves die back completely.
2. Planting Too Shallow or Too Deep
If you plant the rhizomes too shallow, they may dry out or freeze.
Too deep, and they may rot or take forever to emerge in spring.
Always aim for that sweet spot of about 4 inches deep.
Transplanting calla lilies in the fall with the correct depth ensures they stay insulated but not suffocated.
3. Skipping Mulch in Borderline Zones
Even if you think your winter is mild, a sudden cold snap can damage freshly moved rhizomes.
When you transplant calla lilies in the fall, always add a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch like straw or shredded bark.
This acts as a blanket, keeping soil temperatures more stable and preventing freeze-thaw cycles.
So, Can You Transplant Calla Lilies in the Fall?
Yes, you can transplant calla lilies in the fall, and it’s a wonderful way to keep your garden healthy and vibrant.
The trick is to time it right, wait for the foliage to die back, and then handle the rhizomes with care.
Whether you’re dividing clumps, moving plants to a sunnier spot, or lifting them for winter storage, fall is a reliable season for this task.
Transplanting calla lilies in the fall gives them time to settle roots and wake up stronger in spring.
So grab your shovel, pick a dry day, and give your calla lilies the fresh start they deserve.
Happy gardening, and enjoy watching your calla lilies come back bigger and better next year.