How To Grow Calla Lilies

Calla lily bulbs are classic bulbs that elegantly grow up to 8 inches tall. Its traditional species are available in pure white — typically seen at weddings, but modern hybrids blossom in many other gorgeous colours. Calla lilies are perfect for adding a delicate and gorgeous-looking flower to your garden.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to grow calla lilies from bulbs and the different methods for growing these fantastic flower bulbs both indoors and outdoors.

• Calla Lily Classification
• Group
• Family
• History
• Colours and Varieties
• Why Grow Calla Lilies?
• Soil Preparation
• Growing
• Harvesting
• Plant Care & Tips
• Where to Buy Calla Lilies

 

Calla Lily Classification

Group

Lily.

Family

Aracae.

History

The Greek term ‘calla’ translates to ‘beauty’, and this lily’s name has a beautiful mythological origin. The story goes that when the Greek goddess Hera was breastfeeding Heracles, some milk spilt and formed the Milky Way galaxy in space, and everywhere it landed on Earth, calla lilies bloomed.

Originally from South Africa, traditional calla lilies have long been a symbol of rebirth and resurrection due to their association with the Christian Easter. This link has been established over the years because of its pure white colour and spring blossom.

Calla Lily Colours and Varieties

With all colours of calla lily rich in symbolism, these bulbs are a must-have that infuse warmth and colour into your garden. The traditional white calla lilies are a go-to wedding arrangement flower for bridal bouquets, table centrepieces, altar flowers and corsages. The colourful options, such as pot of gold calla lilies, red robin lilies or pink blush varieties, make for a gorgeous gift for Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day.

We have an excellent range of calla lilies available at Mr Fothergill’s Seeds that produce a striking display of flowers in the first year. Varieties of this wonderful flower include Calla Lily Odessa and Calla Lily Grape Velvet. We also have a wonderful range of pot calla lilies available, and thanks to this diverse range, you will find the best hybrid to suit your garden theme, whether in garden borders, flower beds, or pots.

Why Grow Calla Lilies?

Calla lilies are low-maintenance and produce long-lasting, richly coloured tubular flowers from late spring to summer. They are highly versatile, thriving in cool temperate gardens and tropical gardens, making them an all-round favourite amongst gardeners with Australia’s unpredictable climate.

Soil Preparation

Easy to grow, calla lilies are a popular flower as they do not require much attention. The main factor to consider is the proper plant location, which is where soil preparation comes into play. 

For your lilies to thrive, they should be planted in loose, well-draining soil in full sun or partial shade in warmer climates. While they are typically summer-ready bulbs, you should wait for the soil to warm before planting your lilies’ rhizomes (the flat disc-shaped plant stem that sends out roots from its nodes).

Planting

For outdoor growing, plant the rhizomes in free-draining soil around 3-4 inches deep and 6 inches apart. If using a medium-sized container, maintain a 4-inch distance between your rhizomes. Since they do not tolerate wet feet or waterlogging, use a good quality potting mix. 

Since they can grow in partial shade, calla lilies also work well as house plants. Wondering how to grow a calla lily indoors? Start by planting your rhizomes in a well-draining pot and use a slow-release fertiliser to compensate for the leaking nutrients. Transfer your plant into a larger container once the roots outgrow the space. You can also start them outside and move them near a sunny window once flowering.

Improve your soil with compost and pre-planting fertiliser, which is rich in potassium, and designed for flowering plants for the best results. During summer, ensure you water your plants enough to combat the heat, and your lilies will thank you with stunning blooms.

Harvesting

Calla lilies are perennials and can be left in the ground for several years. The plants will die down after flowering, usually around winter, but they’ll reappear next spring/summer. You need to divide your calla lilies every 3-4 years to help the plant thrive. Divide the rhizomes after the plant dies back in winter. To do this, gently twist them to get more bulbs and pry them apart with a knife if they don’t twist apart easily. Discard damaged or shrivelled bulbs and either plant them right away or store them. 

Find out more about dividing bulbs in our blog.

Plant Care & Tips

After harvest, dry calla lily bulbs in front of a fan for a few hours and keep them at a warm temperature for a week. Then, store them in a cool, dark place where they’ll last for up to ten months.

Unlike other flowers, calla lily deadheading will not incite the plant to blossom more. Each calla will only create a set amount of flowers each year, usually between 3 and 7 in the first year, becoming stronger and more vigorous once established. 

Many people dispose of their calla lilies once they die off in the cold weather, unaware that they are perennials, meaning they hibernate in winter and bloom the following year again. The rhizomes can be left in the ground to regrow year after year in Australia. 

Discover our Exciting Range of Calla Lilies

Add some calla lilies to your home today and find the perfect variety in our summer flowering bulbs, available in stores and online from August to October every year. Our products are quality-tested, so you can rest assured your garden will be thriving and pest-free. If your seeds or bulbs don’t grow, we’ll replace them as part of our grow guarantee.