In Northwest Missouri, Is It Possible To Cultivate Calla Lilies Outdoors?

Calla lilies are a versatile plant that can be grown outdoors, adding a touch of elegance to various gardens and containers. They are rhizomatous perennials, considered “tender” perennials in USDA plant hardiness zones 8 or higher, and can survive the winter outdoors in the ground without needing to be dug. They are best grown in full sun to partial shade, requiring an evenly moist, well-drained soil. They can be transplanted anytime between the first and last frost, and even if the daylily clump is sending up scapes and actively blooming, it won’t affect their growth and blooming.

Planting callas too early outside in cold soil will delay their growth and blooming. If you have a greenhouse or warm, well-lit area in your home, you can grow them reliably in hardiness zones 8 and above. However, some gardeners in zone 6b/7 may experience their callas returning.

In summary, calla lilies are a versatile plant that can be grown outdoors, indoors, or in containers. They are a versatile and easy-to-care-for plant that can thrive in various environments.

Can you leave calla lilies outside in winter?

Calla lilies are tender perennials that require their rhizomes to be dug up in fall and stored indoors during the winter months. After a killing frost, cut off the foliage 1 to 2 inches above the soil surface. Carefully dig up the rhizomes, avoiding cutting or injuring them. Dry them in a warm, dry location for 1 to 2 weeks, then bury them in vermiculite, sawdust, or peat moss. Store them in a cool, dry location between 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. For more information on overwintering tender perennials, refer to the article on how to do so.

What is the lowest temperature a calla lily can tolerate?

Calla lily thrives in humid, moist conditions between 60-80 degrees F. It needs protection from hot afternoon sun and freezes when temperatures drop below 50 degrees F. Hybrids prefer well-drained, porous soil, with sandy or clay soils suitable. Use a high-quality, all-purpose potting mix for containers. Water when the soil is slightly dry, but avoid overdosing, as hybrid callas dislike soggy soil.

Can you grow calla lilies in Missouri?

Calla lilies, commonly known as calla lilies, are a genus of six species from southern and eastern Africa. They are stemless plants with flowers and leaves that rise directly from rhizomes. They are winter hardy to USDA Zone 8-10 and may be hardy in Zone 7 with protection. They prefer part shade in moist to wet soils and can be planted in shallow water at the edge of ponds or water gardens. They can also be grown year-round in containers that must be brought indoors before first frost. The genus name honors Giovanni Zantedeschi, an Italian botanist. The blooms are popular in cut flower arrangements.

Can calla lilies tolerate full sun?

Calla Lilies, native to South Africa, are tender perennial plants that grow from a bulb-like rhizome. They thrive in full sun or partial shade, with full sun being ideal for cool summer areas and partial shade for hot summers. They thrive in organically rich, moist, well-drained soils, with consistent moisture but avoiding overwatering to prevent rot. These flowers, known as chalice-shaped flowers, surround a yellow finger-like stalk. They are easy to grow, providing a spectacular effect with their rich, cheerful colors and chalice-shaped flowers.

They bloom from 6 to 12 weeks in late spring and throughout the summer, depending on location and variety. There are early-season, mid-season, and late-season calla lily varieties available. However, they are poisonous and can cause severe discomfort if ingested. To ensure the best results, choose rhizomes that are large, firm, and plump, as the size of the rhizome is highly correlated to the plant’s overall size and its blossoms.

Can a calla lily be planted outside?

Callas can be grown as houseplants, summer annuals in outdoor pots, or in the ground. They produce trumpet-shaped flowers in white, orange, yellow, purple, pink, and green. White-speckled leaves add an interesting dimension. To plant callas, dig dormant calla rhizomes 3 to 4 inches deep in moistened potting mix, place the pot next to a south- or west-facing window, and wait 10 to 12 weeks for flowers to open. Blooms can last for months.

What is too hot for calla lilies?

Calla Lilies thrive in a moderate climate between 65°F (18°C) and 75°F (24°C), with temperatures below 55°F (13°C) being a no-go. To maintain temperature, use heaters, fans, and shade, and avoid drafts and direct AC/heat. They may show signs of stress like wilting, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth, so adjust the temperature accordingly. Indoors, avoid chills below 55°F (13°C), except during dormancy, where they need a cooler spot.

What happens if calla lilies get too much sun?

Calla lilies flourish in environments illuminated by bright, indirect light, but are not conducive to growth when exposed to direct sunlight. To prevent leaf scorch, it is recommended that a source of bright, indirect light be provided in the vicinity of a south- or west-facing window. This will permit the plants to receive an adequate quantity of light without being directly exposed to the sun’s rays, thereby ensuring that their foliage remains vibrant and healthy.

Where is the best place to put a calla lily?

Calla lily hybrids require frost-free conditions, such as a well-lit windowsill, conservatory, or heated greenhouse. Once frost has passed, they can be grown in the garden, pots, or border. They thrive in bright, well-lit spots out of the strongest midday sun. Plants should be sheltered from wind and grown from thick rhizomes or fleshy roots. To grow from dormant rhizomes, buy ready-grown plants in spring and summer and plant them 8-10 cm deep in a peat-free potting compost. Plant indoors for earlier flowers or outside after frosts. Indoor plants need to be gradually hardened off or acclimatized to the outdoors by standing out for increasing periods.

Do calla lilies grow better in pots or in the ground?

Calla lilies are suitable for houseplants, patios, or seasonal outdoor bedding displays. They should be planted under the soil surface with the rhizome’s eyes facing upwards. A loam-based compost like John Innes No. 2 or a good multi-purpose compost is suitable for pot planting. Plant one rhizome to an 8″ pot or three to a 16″ pot. Cover the pots with decorative stones if desired. Water freely during the summer months and feed with a fertilizer every two weeks.

Caring for calla lilies involves lifting them before frosts and storing them in trays of compost in a cool, dark, frost-free location. Do not overwater and ensure that the rhizomes are covered with decorative stones if desired. In most areas, the foliage will be affected by frost and slightly blackened.

Do outdoor calla lilies come back every year?

Calla lilies are perennial plants that bloom in zones 8-10. However, they require additional care in cooler zones to withstand winter frosts. Some horticulturists cultivate them as annuals, allowing them to flourish for a single season before they wither and die.

How do you keep calla lilies blooming all summer?

In order to guarantee optimal blooming, it is necessary to relocate the Calla Lily plant to a location that receives either direct sunlight or partial shade in regions with cooler climates or warmer regions during the summer months. It is important to ensure that the plant is returned indoors before the first frost, as the blooms typically appear 8-16 weeks after potting.