Can I cut calla lilies?

Can You Snip Those Calla Lilies? A Friendly Guide to Cutting and Enjoying These Elegant Beauties

Calla lilies! Aren’t they just gorgeous with their elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers? If you’re lucky enough to have these beauties growing in your garden, you’ve probably wondered, “Hey, can I cut these?” Well, good news! The answer is a big, enthusiastic YES! Cutting calla lilies the right way, and at the right time, doesn’t just let you bring their beauty indoors; it actually encourages the plant to give you even more blooms. Who wouldn’t want that?

Timing is Everything: When to Cut

Okay, so when’s the magic moment to grab your shears? Timing really matters if you want those cut flowers to last.

• Bloom Stage: Watch Closely! You want to cut them when most of the blooms have opened up fully, but before they start looking sad and droopy. Some folks even say to cut them the very day they pop open! What you don’t want to do is wait until the pollen on that central stalk (the spadix) starts shedding. Those older blooms might not last as long in a vase.
• Early Bird Gets the Lily: Try to cut your calla lilies early in the morning. Why? Because that’s when they’re at their most hydrated. Think of it like grabbing a glass of water first thing in the morning – it just perks you right up! Same goes for the lilies.
• A Little Drink the Night Before: Give your calla lily plant a good watering the evening before you plan to cut. A well-hydrated plant makes for a longer-lasting cut flower. It’s like prepping for a marathon, but, you know, for a flower.

The How-To: Cutting Like a Pro

Alright, ready to get snipping? Here’s the lowdown:

TLC for Your Cut Calla Lilies

Okay, you’ve got your beautiful calla lilies in a vase. Now what? A little tender loving care goes a long way.

• Vase Virtues: Start with a clean vase. Seriously, a dirty vase is just asking for trouble (bacteria, yuck!).
• Water Works: Fill the vase with fresh, room-temperature water. Don’t go overboard with the water; just enough to cover the stems. And definitely avoid softened water.
• Change is Good: Change the water every day or two. It’s a bit of a chore, but trust me, it makes a difference. While you’re at it, give the vase a quick scrub. Before you pop the lilies back in, recut the stems at that 45-degree angle. Fresh cut, fresh start!
• Leaf it Out: Trim any leaves that are going to be underwater. Soggy leaves = bacteria party. No thanks!
• Location, Location, Location: Put your vase in a cool spot with indirect light. Think “shady oasis,” not “baking in the sun.” Keep them away from heaters and drafts, too. Oh, and a little tip: keep them away from ripening fruits like bananas. Those fruits release a gas that can make your flowers fade faster.
• Resurrection Time: Wilting already? Don’t panic! Try giving the whole stem and bloom a cool water bath for about an hour. Sometimes that’s all they need to perk back up.

How Long Will They Last?

With a little love, your cut calla lilies should last anywhere from a week to two weeks. I’ve even had some troopers hang in there for three weeks! It all depends on how mature the bloom was when you cut it, the environment, and how well you take care of them.

Can You Grow New Plants from Cuttings?

Okay, full disclosure: calla lilies are usually grown from rhizomes (those underground stems). But, some people say you can try growing them from stem cuttings. I’ve never had much luck with this method, but hey, it’s worth a shot!

The Easier Way: Rhizomes

Honestly, if you want to grow more calla lilies, dividing the rhizomes is way easier. Just dig them up and replant them in the spring. Boom! More lilies.

Cutting Back in the Garden

Don’t forget about your plants in the garden!

• Deadheading: Snip off those spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
• Timing: Usually, you’ll do this in late summer or early fall.
• Green is Good: Never cut off healthy, green leaves. Only remove the brown, withered ones.
• Winter Prep: Before the first frost, give your calla lily a haircut to get it ready for its winter nap.

Seeds? Maybe…

Calla lilies do make seeds, but it takes forever for the seed pods to mature. You have to wait until they turn brown and dry out on the plant. Honestly, it’s way easier to just divide the rhizomes.

Enjoy the Beauty!

Whether you’re cutting blooms for a stunning arrangement or just keeping your plants happy in the garden, knowing how to care for calla lilies will help you enjoy their beauty to the fullest. Happy gardening!