Growing Calla Lilies Outdoors: Tips and Tricks

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Calla lilies are popular indoor plants because of their beauty, but they can also be grown outdoors with the right care. In this article, we'll discuss how to grow calla lilies outdoors successfully.

Choosing the Right Location and Soil

To grow calla lilies outdoors, you need to choose the right location and soil. Calla lilies prefer partial shade and moist soil. They don't like direct sunlight, but they also don't like complete shade. The best location is one that gets morning sun and afternoon shade.

Location

Choose a location that has well-draining soil, as calla lilies don't like to sit in water. A raised bed or container with drainage holes is ideal. You can also amend the soil with organic matter like compost or leaf mold to improve drainage.

Soil

Calla lilies prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. If your soil is too alkaline, you can add sulfur or peat moss to lower the pH. If your soil is too acidic, you can add lime to raise the pH.

Planting Calla Lilies

When planting calla lilies, it's important to follow a few steps to ensure their success.

Planting Depth

Plant calla lily bulbs 4-6 inches deep and 8-10 inches apart. If you're planting multiple bulbs, space them out evenly.

Watering

Water the bulbs thoroughly after planting, and then keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Watering once a week is usually sufficient, but you may need to water more often if the weather is hot and dry.

Fertilizing

Fertilize calla lilies with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to burning of the leaves.

Caring for Calla Lilies

Once your calla lilies are planted, it's important to take good care of them to ensure their success.

Mulching

Mulch around the bulbs with a layer of organic matter like straw or shredded leaves. This will help retain moisture in the soil and prevent weeds from growing.

Deadheading

Remove faded flowers regularly to encourage the plant to produce more blooms. Cut the stem just above the first leaf.

Winter Care

In colder climates, calla lilies may die back in the winter. You can either leave them in the ground and cover them with a layer of mulch, or dig up the bulbs and store them in a cool, dry place until spring.

Pests and Diseases

While calla lilies are relatively pest- and disease-free, they can still be affected by a few common problems.

Spider Mites

Spider mites can be a problem if the air is too dry. To prevent them, mist the leaves regularly or use a humidifier.

Rust

Rust is a fungal disease that causes orange or yellow spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and apply a fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease.

FAQs

Q: When is the best time to plant calla lilies outdoors?

A: The best time to plant calla lilies outdoors is in the spring, after the last frost.

Q: How often should I water my calla lilies?

A: Water your calla lilies once a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry.

Q: Can calla lilies be grown in containers?

A: Yes, calla lilies can be grown in containers as long as the container has drainage holes and the soil is well-draining.

Q: Do calla lilies need full sun?

A: No, calla lilies prefer partial shade and moist soil. They don't like direct sunlight, but they also don't like complete shade.

Q: How do I store calla lily bulbs over the winter?

A: Dig up the bulbs in the fall after the leaves have died back, and store them in a cool, dry place until spring.

Growing calla lilies outdoors isn't difficult, but it does require some care and attention. By choosing the right location and soil, planting the bulbs correctly, and taking good care of the plants, you can enjoy the beauty of calla lilies in your outdoor space.