on April 24, 2022

How do you prepare calla lilies for winter?

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Getting Your Calla Lilies Ready for Winter: A Gardener’s Guide

Calla lilies! Those elegant, trumpet-shaped blooms can really add a touch of class to any garden or even just brighten up a room. But here’s the thing: these beauties aren’t exactly fans of the cold. See, they hail from sunny South Africa (Zantedeschia spp., if you want to get technical), which means they’re only truly happy outdoors year-round if you live in USDA zones 8-10. So, if you’re anywhere colder than that, like most of us, you’ve got to give them a little help to survive the winter and come back strong next year.

Think of it this way: calla lilies are a bit like hibernating bears. As the days get shorter and the temperature drops, they naturally go dormant. This dormancy is their way of taking a break, conserving energy, and waiting for warmer weather. You’ll notice their leaves starting to yellow and fade – don’t panic! It’s just their way of telling you it’s time to tuck them in for the winter.

First things first, though: Knowing your growing zone is key. Not sure what yours is? A quick online search for “USDA plant hardiness zone map” will sort you out. This helps you figure out if your calla lilies can stay put with a bit of protection, or if they need an all-expenses-paid trip indoors for the winter.

For the Lucky Ones (Zones 8-10): Overwintering In-Ground

If you’re fortunate enough to live where winters are mild, you can probably leave your calla lilies in the ground. Here’s the lowdown:

  • Stop the Spa Treatment: Once late summer rolls around, cut back on the watering and definitely stop fertilizing. Think of it as telling your lilies, “Alright, vacation’s over, time to rest!”
  • Trim the Stragglers: As the leaves start to look sad and yellow, chop them back to just a couple of inches above the soil.
  • Blanket Time: Pile on a good 4-inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant. Straw or leaves work great – it’s like giving them a cozy winter blanket.

Operation: Indoor Lily Rescue (Zones 7 and Below)

Okay, if you live where Jack Frost really bites, you’ll need to dig up those calla lily rhizomes (that’s the bulb-like root part) and bring them inside. It’s a bit of work, but totally worth it to see those gorgeous flowers again next year.

  • Dig ‘Em Up Gently: Wait until after the first frost has zapped the foliage, then carefully dig up the rhizomes. Treat them like delicate treasures – you don’t want to damage them. A garden fork works well for this.
  • Brush Off the Dirt: Gently brush off any soil clinging to the rhizomes. Don’t wash them, though! Moisture is the enemy here.
  • Let Them “Cure”: Find a warm, dry spot with good airflow and let the rhizomes sit there for a week or two. This helps them dry out and form a protective skin. Think of it as toughening them up for the winter.
  • Tuck Them Away: Now, find a cool, dry, dark place where the temperature stays between 40-50°F (4-10°C). A basement, garage, or even a cool closet works. Pop the rhizomes into a cardboard box, paper bag, or even a mesh bag filled with slightly damp peat moss, vermiculite, or sand. This keeps them from drying out completely. Whatever you do, avoid plastic bags! They trap moisture and can cause rot.
  • Check on Your Sleeping Beauties: Every now and then, peek in on your rhizomes to make sure they’re not getting too wet or too dry. If you see any signs of rot, toss that one out to prevent it from spreading.

    • Potted Calla Lilies: The Easy Option

    Growing your calla lilies in pots? You’ve got it easy!

  • Move ‘Em Inside: Before the first frost hits, simply bring the pots indoors to a cool, dry spot.
  • Let ‘Em Dry Out: Stop watering and let the soil dry out completely. The leaves will start to fade – that’s okay!
  • Give ‘Em a Haircut: Once the foliage is yellowed, snip it back to soil level.
  • Storage Time (or Not!): Now, you’ve got a choice. You can either store the pot in a cool, dark place (like you would with the dug-up rhizomes), or you can keep it as a houseplant. If you go the houseplant route, water it very sparingly – let the soil dry out almost completely between waterings.

    • Spring Awakening: Time to Shine!

    When spring rolls around and the danger of frost is gone, it’s time to wake up those calla lilies!

  • Replant (if needed): If you stored the rhizomes separately, pot them up in fresh potting mix.
  • Easy on the Water: Start watering gently until you see new growth popping up.
  • Gradual Sunbath: As the plant starts to grow, slowly give it more light and water.
  • Fertilize for Success: Once it’s actively growing, give it a monthly dose of balanced fertilizer.
  • Outdoor Adventure: After the last frost, slowly get your calla lilies used to being outside again before planting them in the garden or putting the pots back on the patio.

    • Final Thoughts

    Getting your calla lilies through the winter might seem like a chore, but trust me, it’s worth it when you see those gorgeous blooms again next year. Just remember to adjust these tips to your specific climate and growing conditions. With a little TLC, you’ll be enjoying those elegant flowers for years to come! Happy gardening!

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