Calla lilies, known for their elegant tubular shape and vibrant colors, are a popular garden ornamental that adds grace to perennial gardens, patio containers, and cutting gardens. They bloom from early to late summer on sturdy upright stems, with their bulb-shaped flowers appearing as soon as early spring from January to April. Late-flowering varieties open their flowers only between May and August.
Originally bred for the florist industry, calla lilies are now highly popular as showy garden ornamentals. They give sensational, long-lasting summer blooms in vivid colors and classic whites. The best time to plant calla lilies is in early spring after the last frost has passed, but colder climates may need to wait until the latter part of spring. When planting, choose a partially planted plant.
Calla lilies are trumpet-shaped flowers that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. They are a classic wedding flower and are in season for autumn weddings. Bouquets with lilies have always been a favorite wedding choice, and some flowers may overlap seasons or become available year-round due to high demand. Calla lilies are grown commercially under glass and are available on wholesale flower markets between February and the end of August. They bloom from 6 to 12 weeks in late spring and throughout the summer, depending on geographic location and variety.
In Canada, the growing season can sometimes be cut short due to late springs and early winters.
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What time of year are lilies in season?
Lilies bloom in various seasons, from early summer to late summer and even into fall, depending on their division. To enjoy their beauty and fragrance, select lilies from different divisions. Planting lilies can be rewarding, but it’s best to plant them in the fall or early spring. If planting bulbils, they can be planted in late summer when they’re ripe. Lilies prefer full sun or partial shade, well-draining soil, and a slightly acidic pH, but can tolerate a wide range of pH levels.
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.
How long do potted calla lilies last?
The velvety, deep crimson spathes, a Proven Winners Zantedeschia hybrid, imbue borders, pots, and indoor décor with an air of elegance. The plants are known for their longevity in cut bouquets, with zones measuring 8-12 inches in length, 18-24 inches in height, and 9-12 inches in width.
Are calla lilies perennials in Canada?
Calla lilies are perennials, meaning they can be saved and re-bloom next year. They can be kept year-round, but the success depends on the plant’s hardiness zone. If you live in a colder climate, you may need to bring the plant indoors for winter. One option is to keep the plant potted, taking it outdoors in the summer and bringing it back before the first frost. You can also allow the plant to go dormant by not watering it until spring. Another option is to put the calla in the ground in the spring or summer, after the last frost, and remove it before the first frost of fall or winter.
Dig up the plant, keep it dry until the leaves brown, remove dead leaves, and store the bulb in dry soil or sand. Replant the bulb outdoors in the spring. If the plant begins to decline, you may have crowded rhizomes. Divide the plant into three or four sections for winter storage, resulting in a larger quantity of healthier plants next spring. Calla lilies are perennials, not annuals, and with just a little extra effort, you can enjoy their flowers year after year.
Do calla lilies like sun or shade?
Calla Lilies thrive in bright, indirect light, mimicking their native environment under a canopy. Too much direct sun can cause a botanical sunburn. To maintain optimal growth, observe your Calla Lily’s behavior and adjust the light exposure accordingly. As seasons change, adjust your sunlight strategy accordingly. In spring, increase light to wake your plant from its winter nap, protect it from harsh rays in summer, and consider artificial lighting in winter to keep it from dozing off. By adjusting your sunlight strategy, you can ensure your Calla Lily receives the necessary warmth and avoids the harmful effects of direct sunlight.
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.
When should I buy lilies?
Lilies can be planted from late autumn to early April, either as bulbs or potted plants. Large, firm bulbs are recommended, and potted plants can be found at garden centers. Planting bulbs 15cm apart and three times the depth of the bulb’s height is recommended. To care for lilies, support tall-growing plants with a plant support, feed them with tomato feed every fortnight, and deadhead spent blooms to prevent energy waste on seed production. This is only applicable if martagon lilies self-seed.
Can you leave calla lilies in the ground all year?
Calla lilies can be stored in warm climates by leaving them in the ground or cutting them to one to two inches tall before freezing. After a three-day cure, pack them in a box filled with slightly moist peat moss or sawdust and store them in a dark place at 50 to 60°F. Check them occasionally to prevent drying or rot. There are many types of calla lilies, with many growing up to 1 to 3 feet tall, and they can be found in a wide range of colors.
What season do lilies come out?
Gardeners can enjoy the beauty of lilies from June to September by planting several types with varying flower styles, stem heights, colors, and bloom times. Each type of lily blooms earlier than others, and weather can also impact the timing of blooming. Early season lilies include Martagon Lilies, Asiatic Lilies, Species Lilies, and Double Asiatic Lilies. To plan for a succession of blooms, read All About Lilies for more information on planting and growing lilies.
What time of year can you get calla lilies?
Calla lilies, perennial plants, typically bloom in early summer in warm climates, while planting in spring delays it until late summer. They require monthly liquid fertilizer, especially when grown in containers. After blooming, rhizomes can be left in the ground for the next summer, or if flowering decreases, they can be divided. In cooler areas, calla lilies are treated as annuals, with new bulbs planted each spring or overwintered indoors, though flower production may decrease the second year.
Are calla lilies available year round?
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.
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