How To Grow: Calla Lilies

Calla Lilies are a genus of 28 species native to tropical climates and originally imported from South Africa. These elegant lilies are part of the Araceae family of herbaceous flowing plants and their botanical name is Zantedeschia.

Picture courtesy of micheleart

Calla Lilies come in a wide range of colours, including white, purple, green, yellow, orange and pink. They grow well in flower beds and you should plant bulbs in September. Here are our gardening tips on how to grow calla lilies in your garden this year:

1. You need to select the right site in which to grow your calla lilies. These plants like to be in full sunlight to partial shade and need to be situated in soil that drains well. If you live in a warmer climate then be sure to opt for the partially shaded location as the plant is quite delicate.

2. Once you have found the perfect spot in your garden to grow your calla lilies you need prepare the soil and dig holes in the flower bed. Callas grow best in loose soil that is well drained and need to be planted two inches deep with a foot of space between each bulb. Also remember that the tubers should be planted with the foliage facing upwards.

3. The calla lily tubers need to be watered in, but the soil only needs to be moist not soaked, so don’t water them too much. Keep the soil moist until the bulbs bloom, which is usually around two months after they have been planted.

4. Calla lilies will bloom around June time and need to be dug back up once all of the foliage has died. If you store the bulbs in a cool dry place then you will be able to plant them again the next spring.

Visit us here at The Secret Gardens of Sandwich during June to see our Calla Lilies in bloom.