Many calla varieties grow from flower bulbs. They can be planted both in pots in the flower window and in the garden bed. Very few are winter hardy, so they have to be kept indoors over the winter. What you should know about calla lilies.
How are calla bulbs planted and cared for?
Calla bulbs are planted in pots in spring or placed in the garden bed after the Ice Saints. In autumn they must be dug up and stored in a cool, dark place. They can also overwinter in pots. Secondary tubers are used for propagation.
How to plant indoor calla lilies from bulbs in a pot
- Clean the pot well
- Fill in fresh potting soil (€10.00 at Amazon)
- insert onion
- Press earth
- Dip pot into bucket of water
Place the flower bulb in the pot so deep that the tip just shows out.
Even if the pot is still sufficient for the bulb, you should always repot the calla in spring to prevent diseases and pests.
Planting calla lilies in the garden
The bulbs will only be planted outdoors when the ice saints are over at the end of May.
Dig holes large enough so that the onion can be inserted about five to seven centimeters deep. When planting, make sure the pointed end is facing upwards.
Garden calla flowers earlier if you grow the bulbs in the pot from March onwards. From May the plant is planted out in the flower bed.
Store calla onions correctly
In October, calla bulbs must be dug up from the flowerbed as most varieties are not winter-hardy.
Free the bulbs of soil and remaining leaves and let them dry well.
Store them in a cool, dark place, ideally ten degrees. Do not place the tubers too close to allow air to circulate.
Overwintering onions in the pot
Room calla also overwinters well in a pot. Allow the soil to dry out completely and place in a cool, bright place.
You are not allowed to water or fertilize during the winter break.
Propagate calla lilies via onions
Like all flower bulbs, calla bulbs form small secondary tubers during the growing season. These can simply be cut off after digging.
After the winter break, you can grow new calla plants from the bulbs obtained in this way and care for them in the garden or in the flower window.
Tips & Tricks
Some calla varieties do not have bulbs but grow from rhizomes. These varieties can be propagated by dividing the roots. In terms of care, the species only differ in overwintering.
