How to Raise Calla Lilies

Although calla lilies are native to Africa, they are hardy plants that can grow in a variety of climates. Give your calla lily sun, moist and loose soil, and protect it from frosts, and it can be grown as far north as U.S. Department of Agriculture Zone 3. Unlike many flowers, calla lilies do not require pruning late in the season, making them easier to care for. As long as you dig them up before a really hard frost, calla lily tubers will be good for another year of growth.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you’ll need:

• Soil
• Calla lily tubers
• Trowel
• Fertilizer
• Box
• Peat moss

1. Inspect the calla lily tubers. They should have small growing points called eyes poking out of them.
2. Plant calla lilies in the spring, at least one week after the last frost when the soil has warmed. Pick a full-sun or partial-shade spot that has well-drained and loose soil. If there are no rain puddles five to six hours after a hard rain, the site should work.
3. Dig a small hole in the ground so that the first calla lily tuber fits in with just the top poking out. Put it in the hole so that the side sticking out has the most eyes. Plant the rest of the calla lily tubers so that they are about 1 foot apart.
4. Water calla lily tubers immediately after planting so that the soil is moist but not soggy. Apply a flower fertilizer to the calla lilies, per label instructions.
5. Water the calla lilies often enough to keep the soil moist. Fertilize them once a month through the growing season. Cut off flowers as you wish.
6. Dig up the tubers after the first frost. Leave them on a counter to air dry for at least four days.
7. Put a layer of peat moss inside a cardboard box. Place the tubers in the peat moss, and leave the boxes in a cool, dry place during the winter.