Calla lilies are prized for their stunning trumpet-shaped flowers that come in a rainbow of colors, from classic white to vibrant pink, yellow, and even deep burgundy. While these beauties typically bloom for a few weeks, a clever planting strategy can keep the flowers coming for months.
Here are the simple tricks seasoned gardeners use to extend the calla lily flowering season.
Timing is Everything: When to Plant Calla Lilies
The key to prolonging the calla lily bloom period lies in strategic planting. Instead of planting all your rhizomes at once, stagger the planting over several weeks. This technique ensures a continuous succession of blooms throughout the growing season.
Start planting calla lily rhizomes outdoors in spring, after the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures have reached at least 65°F.
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In most regions, this typically falls between March and May. For an extended flowering period, continue planting every two weeks until early summer.
Choosing the Right Varieties for Extended Blooms
Not all calla lily varieties bloom at the same time. Some are early-season bloomers, while others flower in mid or late summer. By selecting a mix of varieties with different bloom times, you can create a stunning display for months.
Early-season calla lilies, such as ‘Flame’ and ‘Odessa,’ begin flowering in late spring to early summer. Mid-season varieties, like ‘Captain Rosette’ and ‘Picasso,’ take center stage in mid to late summer. (ref)
Late-season bloomers, including ‘Vermeer’ and ‘Acapulco Gold,’ continue the show into early fall. Plant a combination of these varieties to enjoy a seamless transition of color in your garden.
Providing the Perfect Growing Conditions
The ideal growing environment is essential to encouraging calla lilies to bloom at their best. These tropical beauties thrive in rich, moist, well-draining soil and prefer full sun to partial shade, depending on the climate.
Plant calla lilies in a spot that receives full sun for at least six hours daily in cooler regions.
Provide some afternoon shade in hot climates to protect the flowers from scorching. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, as overwatering can lead to root rot.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer monthly during the growing season to support healthy growth and abundant blooms.
Overwintering & Reblooming Calla Lilies
In USDA hardiness zones 8-10, calla lilies can be left in the ground year-round. Cut back the foliage after it dies in fall and mulch the area to protect the rhizomes during winter.
In colder regions, dig up the rhizomes before the first frost, store them in a cool, dry place, and replant them the following spring.
Allow the foliage to die naturally after flowering to encourage reblooming in subsequent years. This process enables the rhizomes to store energy for the next growing season.
Avoid cutting back the leaves too early, as this can reduce the plant’s ability to produce flowers in the future.
Following these planting and care techniques, you can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of calla lilies in your garden from early summer into fall.
With their long-lasting blooms and elegant appearance, these stunning flowers will surely become a cherished addition to your outdoor space.
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.