Can I Plant A Calla Lily Outside?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Calla are hardy in USDA

plant hardiness zones 8 through 10

. … When planted in water, the rhizomes can remain outdoors as long as the water doesn't freeze at the depth. You can also transplant your callas into pots and grow them as houseplants.

Do calla lilies come back every year?

Many people treat their gift as annuals. They receive a potted flower, or buy them for spring decorating, and then toss it when the blooms are done. In truth, though, calla lilies are perennials and you can actually save your potted plant and

watch it bloom again next year

.

How do you plant calla lilies outside?

To grow callas outdoors, plant the

rhizome 4 inches deep and with tips facing up after the last spring frost

. Select a location with porous, well-draining soil, picking a sunny site in cooler climates but a partial-shade site in warmer regions. Water whenever the soil is dry, taking care not to overwater.

Is a calla lily an indoor or outdoor plant?

Although

an outdoor plant by nature

, the Calla Lily will perform wonderfully as an indoor plant. Keeping this rhizome happy indoors is a matter of paying attention to some very basic growing conditions.

Where is the best place to plant calla lilies?

Care of calla lilies requires that they be planted in

loose, well-drained soil

. They prefer to be located in full sun or partial shade in warmer climates. Calla lilies are typically planted in the spring.

Will calla lilies multiply?

Calla lily

bulbs multiply underground

, so digging up calla lilies is a way to keep them productive and establish new plants. Gardening Know How says the best time to dig up calla lilies is right after the frost has killed the foliage.

What month do calla lilies bloom?

When Calla Lilies are planted in the spring, they will produce flowers between midsummer and early fall for 3-8 weeks. Their flowering period depends on the temperature, amount of light and the variety. In climates where Calla Lilies are perennial, they typically bloom in

late spring to early summer

.

Do calla lilies need full sun?

SHADE AND SUN: In warm climates,

calla lilies grow well in full sun or partial shade

. In cooler areas they grow best in full sun. ZONE: Calla lilies are winter hardy in zones 8-10. In colder areas they can either be grown as annuals or can be dug up in the fall and stored indoors for replanting the next spring.

How long do potted calla lilies last?

Expect potted callas to bloom for

three to nine weeks

, depending on their variety and growing conditions.

How do you keep calla lilies blooming?

  1. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
  2. Provide bright, indirect light.
  3. Apply liquid fertilizer monthly while in flower.
  4. Keep away from heating and ac vents.
  5. Reduce watering when the plant enters dormancy (November)
  6. Cut the leaves off at soil level once they've died.

Do calla lilies mean death?

On the one hand, calla lily meaning expresses the idea of life and fertility, while on

the other it's a well-known symbol of death

. One early calla lily meaning originates in ancient Greek culture, where the flower was thought to represent magnificent beauty. This origin stems from a tale regarding Hercules as a baby.

How often should you water calla lilies outside?

Don't water your calla lilies too heavily, especially after initially planting them. Once the rhizomes are established, you can water the plants

once a week or more frequently

if experiencing especially hot or drought-like conditions.

What do you do with calla lilies after they bloom?

Calla lilies don't drop petals like many other plants when their flowers are done blooming. Once the calla flower begins to die, it rolls up into a tube, often turning green on the outside. These spent blossoms on calla lily plants are done, have no purpose and should be

clipped off

.

Should I soak calla lily bulbs before planting?

Calla lilies make good container plants outside or indoors as long as you keep them thoroughly damp, says White Flower Farm.

Use a high-quality potting mix and soak it well before

planting.

Do calla lilies grow well in pots?

Pots for calla lilies should be at least 10 to 12 inches (25-31 cm.) in diameter and

well-draining

. While calla lilies need consistently moist soil, improper drainage can cause rots and fungal diseases. The planting medium should also retain moisture but not stay too soggy.

Are calla lilies poisonous to dogs?

Other types of plants that are commonly mistaken for lilies but do not belong to the true lily or day lily families such as the Peruvian lily, peace lily, and calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica),

can all be toxic to both dogs and cats

.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.