How To Grow And Care for Calla Lily Flower: Beginner’s Guide

A. Choosing the Right Location

Calla lilies thrive in locations with full sun to partial shade. Hence It is important that you choose a spot in your garden that receives 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. If you live in a hot climate, some afternoon shade can help protect the flowers from scorching. Additionally, calla lilies prefer well-draining soil, so make sure the area you choose has good drainage. If you are planning to grow calla lilies in pots or containers ensure it have drainage hole and soil is rich in organic matter. Best potting soil mix for calla lily is 2 parts garden soil 1 Part Compost/vermicompost/organic manure and 1 Part sand.

B. Planting Calla Lily Bulbs

Spring is the best time to plant calla lily bulbs. Once the danger of frost is passed you can plant calla lilies bulbs. Before planting, prepare the soil by adding organic manure/ compost/vermicompost to it, loosen the soil and remove any weeds or debris. Dig a hole that is about 2-3 times the size of the bulb, and place the bulb in the hole with the pointed end facing up. Cover the bulb with soil, tap gently to firm it around the base.

A. Watering and Fertilizing

Calla lilies require regular watering, especially during dry spells. Keep the soil evenly moist, but ensure there is no waterlogging. As excessive moisture in soil can cause the calla lily bulbs to rot. It’s a good idea to water deeply once or twice a week, allowing the water to penetrate the root zone. Avoid overhead watering and water directly on roots as water on leaves can lead to fungal diseases.

When it comes to fertilizing, calla lilies benefit from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring. Additionally you can feed your plants NPK 5-10-10 once every 2 weeks to increase blooms in plant and to keep it blooming.

B. Support and Staking

As calla lilies grow, their tall stems may need support to prevent them from falling over. Use stakes or cages to provide support, being careful not to damage the bulbs or roots. It’s best to install the support system early in the growing season, as it can be difficult to insert stakes without disturbing the plant once it has started to grow.

C. Dealing with Pests and Diseases

While calla lilies are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, they can still be susceptible to certain problems. Aphids, snails, and slugs are common pests that may target calla lilies. Regularly inspect your calla lily plants and take appropriate measures to control these pests if necessary. Additionally, fungal diseases such as root rot and powdery mildew can occur in humid conditions. To prevent these issues, avoid over-watering and provide good air circulation around the plants.

D. Harvesting and Enjoying the Blooms

Calla lilies typically bloom from late spring to early fall, depending on the variety. Once the flowers have fully opened, you can cut them for floral arrangements. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruners to remove the blooms just above the foliage. To extend the vase life of the flowers, place them in a clean vase filled with fresh water and add floral preservative. Blooms in calla lily lasts from 6 to 12 weeks.

Growing and caring for calla lily flowers can be a rewarding experience for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike. By providing the right conditions, regular watering, and appropriate support, you can enjoy the beauty of these stunning flowers throughout the growing season. Remember to keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and take prompt action if necessary. With a little care and attention, your calla lilies will flourish and bring joy to your garden or home.