The vast majority of calla varieties cannot tolerate subzero temperatures. They need to be protected from cool temperatures indoors. In general, white-flowering varieties are more robust than colored indoor calla varieties. Overwintering indoors is also necessary for them.
How to overwinter calla plants?
To overwinter calla plants successfully, they should either be kept in a pot in a cool, bright place in the house or the bulbs should be dug up and stored without soil. From January onwards, the bulbs can be placed in fresh soil and slowly acclimated to warmer temperatures.
Overwintering calla in a pot
Overwintering a calla in a pot is particularly worthwhile if it is a variety with evergreen leaves. After flowering it becomes
- No longer watered
- Took to a cool but bright place
- Removed from yellow leaves
- Removed from winter quarters from January
- Pour slowly
- Cautiously accustomed to warmer temperatures.
You don't have to cut back evergreen calla lilies. You should remove yellow leaves. Make sure that no pests such as aphids (€9.00 on Amazon) or spider mites can spread on the plant.
Overwintering calla as a flower bulb
If you have planted calla lilies outdoors, you must dig up the bulbs in time for overwintering. You can also overwinter flower bulbs from houseplants without soil.
Remove it from soil and place it in a place where it can dry out. Cut off the leaves.
Separate the small daughter tubers and store them separately. You can use them for propagation next year.
Remove calla bulbs from winter quarters
The calla bulbs should be placed in new pots with fresh soil from January onwards.
To plant calla lilies in the flower bed, you need to wait until the end of May. The ground is too cold beforehand.
Tips & Tricks
A calla lily that is hardy is the “Crowsborough” variety. It can withstand temperatures down to -20 degrees and can therefore stay in the garden over winter.
