How long do calla lily bulbs take to grow?

How Long Really Does it Take for Calla Lilies to Bloom? (Hint: Patience is a Virtue!)

Calla lilies. Just the name conjures up images of elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers, doesn’t it? They’re a real favorite, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out. Now, here’s a little secret: what we call “calla lily bulbs” aren’t bulbs at all! They’re actually rhizomes – think of them as underground stems, similar to bulbs but with a mind of their own. Knowing their growth timeline is key to enjoying these beauties to the fullest.

So, how long do you have to wait to see those gorgeous blooms?

From Dirt Nap to Sprout: The Waiting Game

First things first, you’ve gotta get those rhizomes in the ground. Spring is your best bet, after the last frost has waved goodbye and the soil’s warmed up a bit – ideally around 65°F (18°C). Live in a colder area? No sweat! Give them a head start by popping them in pots indoors about a month before the final frost is expected. Trust me, they’ll thank you for it.

Now comes the tricky part: waiting. It usually takes about two weeks, give or take, for those first little shoots to poke their heads above the soil. Think of it like waiting for popcorn – you’re watching, waiting, and then bam! Factors like soil temperature, how much water you’re giving them, and whether you picked a healthy rhizome all play a part in this initial sprouting phase.

Leafing Out: Green is Good!

Once those shoots appear, get ready for some serious leaf action! They’ll quickly grow into these lush, arrow-shaped leaves, sometimes reaching two or even three feet tall. This leafy stage usually lasts around 3-6 weeks. During this time, keep the water coming steadily and make sure they’re getting plenty of sunlight. Honestly, it’s like watching kids grow up – they need their food and sunshine!

Showtime: When the Flowers Finally Arrive!

Okay, this is what we’ve all been waiting for: the flowers! Calla lilies generally bloom 2-3 months after planting, give or take. I’ve found it’s closer to 13 to 16 weeks from planting those rhizomes to seeing the first flower, usually around late spring or early summer. But remember, Mother Nature likes to keep us on our toes, so it can vary depending on the variety, how warm it is, and how much sun they’re soaking up.

The good news? Calla lilies are pretty generous bloomers, often flowering for 6 to 12 weeks! And here’s a little tip: snip off those faded flowers (it’s called deadheading) to encourage them to bloom again. Some varieties bloom earlier than others, so you can actually have calla lilies showing off all spring and summer long.

What Makes Calla Lilies Tick? (Factors That Matter)

Several things can speed up or slow down the whole process:

• Temperature: Calla lilies are happiest when it’s between 60-80°F (15-27°C). If it’s too chilly, they’ll take their time. Too cold (below 50°F or 10°C), and they might just decide to take a nap!
• Sunlight: They love sunshine, but not too much. Full sun is great in cooler areas, but in hotter climates, a bit of shade will keep them from getting sunburned. Not enough light, and they might not flower at all!
• Watering: Keep the soil moist, especially when they’re growing. Don’t let it dry out completely. But be careful not to drown them, either – soggy roots are a no-no.
• Soil: Rich, well-drained soil is what they crave. Good drainage is key to avoiding root rot.
• Fertilizer: A little food goes a long way! Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every couple of weeks during the growing season to keep them happy and blooming.
• Variety: Some calla lilies are just naturally faster (or slower) than others.

Winter is Coming: Dormancy and Storage

Calla lilies are perennials, which means they can stick around for years. If you live where winters are mild (zones 8-10), you can leave them in the ground. But if you get hard frosts (zones 3-7), you’ll need to dig them up and bring them inside for the winter.

To overwinter them, cut off the leaves and dig up the rhizomes before the first frost hits. Let them dry out for a few days, then stash them in a cool, dark place (around 50-60°F or 10-15°C) in a box filled with peat moss or sawdust. Then, come spring, you can replant them and start the whole process all over again!

The Bottom Line

So, while there’s no exact, set-in-stone answer to how long calla lilies take to grow, understanding their growth habits and giving them the right conditions will set you up for success. A little patience, a little care, and you’ll be rewarded with those stunning blooms before you know it! Happy gardening!