The tubers of the calla lily are often touted as winter-proof. According to the breeder's information, they can be planted in autumn. Don't rely on it. The onions rarely survive a winter outdoors. It's better to overwinter them indoors.
Is the calla hardy and how do I overwinter it properly?
Calla tubers are not winter hardy and should be dug up before the first frost. Overwinter these indoors by storing them in a cool, dry room at a maximum of 15 degrees. Wait until spring, when you no longer have to worry about night frosts, to put them outside again.
Dig up onions in autumn
You should dig up non-winter-hardy calla lilies before the first frost. Use a digging fork to do this. Using a spade will cut off too many roots or damage the tuber.
Prick the fork into the ground a few centimeters from the bulb and carefully lift the bulb.
Cut off any remaining leaves. Then remove the adhering soil and leave the calla to dry for some time. Only when the onions are well dry can they go into winter quarters.
This is how calla bulbs are properly overwintered
- Cooler room up to ten degrees
- Dry and dark
- Don't place them too close together
It is best to overwinter the dry, clean onions in a dry, dark room for two to three months. It shouldn't get warmer than a maximum of 15 degrees there. Cellars, garages or garden sheds are well suited. The humidity should not be too high.
Store the onions so that there is still some space between the individual bulbs. By circulating air you prevent the tubers from molding or rotting. It is helpful if you put some wood shavings or dry peat around the bulbs.
Planting non-winter-proof calla bulbs in spring
When the temperatures have warmed up to over ten degrees in spring and there is no longer any fear of night frosts, the calla can go outside again.
If you grow the tubers in the pot from March onwards, you will significantly shorten the time until the first flowers in the flower bed.
Don’t forget gloves
The calla lily is slightly poisonous. Always wear gloves when caring for the calla lilies.
Tips & Tricks
It is easier to dig up calla bulbs that are not hardy in the fall if you plant them in a pot in the spring and plant them in the flower bed along with the pot. You then just have to pull the pot out of the ground to bring the tubers into their winter quarters.
