How to Grow Callas In Containers

Calla Lilies are one of the world’s most elegant and exotic cut flowers and they are easy
to grow in gardens and containers. The flowers last for weeks and make beautiful
centerpieces on patio tables or glamourous accent flowers for your porch.

What’s Included in Your Kit 

Your kit includes a bag of soil, 3 calla lily rhizomes, the decorative pot, a lid and a small
plastic bag containing 3 rubber plugs.

Step 1: Save the Base Plugs

 Your container comes with a bag containing three rubber plugs. Install the plugs when
starting your plants indoors or when moving inside to store for the winter. When the plugs
are removed for outdoor use, this provides adequate drainage for your soil. When indoors,
these plugs prevent a leaking mess.

To install, press firmly on the top of the plug until the wider top is flush against the
bottom of the pot.

Step 2: Arrange Bulbs & Soil

Fill the container with the whole bag of soil included in your kit. Dig a hole 2” deep. Set
the bulb into the hole with the “eyes” (top) facing up. Cover the bulbs with soil.

Step 3: Watering

Water lightly upon first planting. Once the rhizomes are established, you can water the
plants once a week, or more frequently if experiencing especially hot or drought-like
conditions. Callas planted in pots tend to dry out faster than planted in the garden.

Water your callas thoroughly when the first inch or two of the soil is dry to the touch.
To check soil place a finger 1” below the soil’s surface to feel for moisture. If your foliage
turns brown, you may be overwatering.

Step 4: After Care

Calla lilies grow best in full sun to part shade. Place your container in a location where it
receives about six hours of sunlight each day. After planting, it may take 2 weeks or
more for the first calla shoots to appear. Once this happens, the plants grow quickly.

Spring planted calla lilies will bloom from June to August. In warm climates where
calla lilies are perennial, the plants typically flower earlier in the summer.

Step 5: Caring for Calla Lilies After They Bloom

During the growing season, calla lilies appreciate a monthly dose of liquid fertilizer. This
is especially important when they are grown in containers.

In climates where calla lilies are winter hardy (zones 8-10), the rhizomes may be left in
the ground to bloom again the next summer. If flowering decreases over time, dig and
divide the rhizomes to restore vigorous growth.

In cooler areas (zones 3-7), calla lilies are usually treated as annuals, with new bulbs
planted each spring. Alternatively, the rhizomes may be overwintered indoors, though
flower production may be diminished the second year.

When trying to save callas for next year,, here's what to do. Fertilize the plants
throughout the growing season. Cut off the flower stems as soon as the blooms fade.
This will prevent the plants from setting seed and help conserve energy for next year’s
flowers. Continue fertilizing until the foliage begins to yellow.

After the leaves have died back, or after the first frost, dig up the rhizomes and trim off
the foliage, leaving an inch or two of stem attached. Let the rhizomes cure in a warm,
dry place for several days and then put them into a box with barely damp peat moss.
Store the box in a dark place at 50-60°F. Check once or twice during the winter to make
sure the rhizomes are not too moist (rotting) or too dry (shriveling). Replant in spring.