Can you plant calla lily outside?

Can You Plant Calla Lilies Outside? Let’s Get Real.

Calla lilies. Aren’t they just gorgeous? Those elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers can really elevate a garden or even brighten up a room. You see them everywhere, and it’s no wonder – they’re a favorite for both beginners and seasoned green thumbs. But here’s the question I get asked all the time: “Can I just stick them in the ground outside?” Well, yes, you absolutely can, but there’s a bit more to it than just digging a hole.

Calla Lilies: Not Exactly Snowbirds

So, calla lilies are what we call “tender perennials.” Think of them as loving warm weather, but not so keen on the cold. Botanically speaking, we’re talking about Zantedeschia species. They’re happiest in USDA hardiness zones 8-10. If you’re lucky enough to live in those zones, your calla lily rhizomes (those bulb-like things they grow from) can chill in the ground all year long. Lucky you! But if you’re in a colder climate, like zones 3-7, you’ve got a decision to make: treat them like annuals, enjoying them for a season, or put in a little extra effort to keep them around.

Timing is Everything (and Location Matters Too!)

When should you plant these beauties? Spring is your best bet, once the threat of frost is long gone. I’m talking about soil that’s warmed up to at least 65°F (around 18°C). Trust me, planting in cold soil is like telling them to take a nap they don’t want – they’ll just sit there. If you’re impatient like me, you can get a head start by starting the rhizomes indoors a month or two before the last frost is expected.

Now, where to plant? Think about sunlight. If you’re in a place with cooler summers, give them all the sun they can handle. But if you’re in a hotter area, a little afternoon shade is your friend. Think of it like this: you wouldn’t want to sit in the blazing sun all day, and neither do your calla lilies! As for soil, they love the good stuff: rich, moist, and well-draining. Soggy soil is a big no-no; it can lead to rhizome rot, and nobody wants that.

Getting Down and Dirty: Planting Time

Before you plant, give your soil a little love. Mix in some well-rotted compost – it’s like a spa day for your soil. Plant the rhizomes about 4 inches deep and space them about a foot apart, pointy side up. Water them well after planting to help the soil settle in. A layer of mulch around the plants will help keep the soil moist, keep weeds at bay, and regulate the soil temperature. It’s like giving your calla lilies a cozy blanket.

Keeping Your Calla Lilies Happy

Calla lilies are thirsty plants during the growing season. Don’t let the soil dry out completely, but don’t drown them either. It’s a balancing act! A balanced liquid fertilizer every couple of weeks until the flowers fade will keep them happy and blooming. And don’t forget to snip off those spent flower stems – it encourages the plant to produce even more flowers. It’s like telling them, “Good job! Now do it again!”

Winter is Coming: Overwintering in Cold Climates

Okay, so you live in a colder climate and you’re determined to save your calla lilies. I admire your dedication! Here’s what you do: before the first frost, dig up those rhizomes. Once the leaves turn brown (don’t panic, it’s natural), cut them back to an inch or two. Gently dig around the rhizome and lift it out of the soil. Let them “cure” in a warm, dry place for a few days. Then, pack them in a box or tub with slightly damp peat moss or sawdust and store them in a cool, dark place (around 50-60°F). Check on them every now and then to make sure they’re not drying out or rotting.

A Few Extra Pointers

• Calla lilies are fantastic in containers, both indoors and out.
• If you’re planting in containers, use a good quality potting mix that drains well.
• Heads up: calla lilies are toxic to cats and dogs, so keep them out of reach of your furry friends.
• Want more calla lilies? You can divide the rhizomes in the spring or even grow them from seed.

So, there you have it! Planting calla lilies outside is totally doable. Whether you’re in a warm climate where they can thrive year after year, or in a colder area where they need a little extra TLC, these stunning flowers are well worth the effort. Happy gardening!