How to Store Calla Lily Bulbs Over Winter

Calla lilies produce trumpet-shaped flowers and are not true lilies. The flowers bloom in shades of white, pink, yellow and red. The blooms continue to grow until late summer. The flower originates in South Africa, and thrives in tropical environments. The calla lily bulbs needs protected from the cold weather so that you can continue to enjoy the blooms every year. Once the threat of frost passes and the soil temperature remains around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, you can safely transplant the bulbs back outdoors.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you’ll need:

• Garden fork
• Garden spade
• Pruning shears
• Newspaper
• Bucket
• Peat moss
• Shallow box

1. Loosen the soil around the calla lilies with a garden fork. Break the soil up carefully so that you do not damage the bulbs.
2. Insert a garden spade under the calla lily bulb. Lift the bulb from the garden bed.
3. Remove any remaining foliage from the bulbs with garden shears. Brush off any loose soil from the roots and look for soft spots. Cut the spots off with pruning shears and discard them. Theses soft spots are an indication of root rot or damage.
4. Place the calla lilies on a sheet of newspaper in a well-ventilated and warm location. Allow them to cure for three weeks away from direct sunlight before you store them for the winter.
5. Fill a bucket with peat moss. Moisten the peat moss with water, and squeeze it to remove as much excess water as possible.
6. Fill a shallow box with the moist peat moss. Place the roots of the calla lily bulbs in the peat moss. Spread the roots but do not allow them to touch each other.
7. Store the shallow box in a cool location with a temperature range between 35 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Moisten the peat moss with water when it dries completely.

Tips & Warnings

• Calla lilies can be poisonous if ingested. Store the bulbs away from pets and children.

• Remove the bulbs when you moisten the peat moss, and always wring out the excess water. If the bulbs get wet, mold will grow and ruin the plants.