What do you do with calla lilies in the fall?

Getting Your Calla Lilies Ready for Their Autumn Nap

Calla lilies! Aren’t they just stunning? Those elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers and lush green leaves can really bring a touch of class to any garden or home. But, like us, they need a little special care as the seasons change. Native to sunny South Africa, these beauties are happiest in warmer climates (think USDA zones 8-10). If you’re like me, living in a place with frosty winters (zones 3-7), you’ll need to give them a helping hand to survive and thrive for another year. So, let’s talk about getting your calla lilies prepped for fall.

Understanding the Calla Lily’s Downtime

Just like bears settling in for a long winter’s sleep, calla lilies naturally go dormant in the fall. You’ll notice things slowing down as the days get shorter and the weather cools off. The leaves might start to turn yellow and wither – don’t panic! This is totally normal. It’s their way of telling you it’s time to adjust your care routine and get them ready for their rest. Recognizing these signs is the first step.

Warm Climates: Easy Fall Care (Zones 8-10)

Lucky you if you live where winters are mild! Overwintering calla lilies in warmer areas is a breeze. You can pretty much leave the rhizomes (those bulb-like roots) right where they are in the ground. Just ease up on the watering and stop feeding them as the foliage starts to fade. A little mulch blanket over the area won’t hurt, giving them some extra protection from the chill. This lets them chill out and recharge for a fantastic comeback next spring.

Cold Climates: Bringing Them Indoors (Zones 7 and Below)

Okay, for those of us in colder areas, it’s time to bring the calla lilies inside to keep them safe from freezing temps. Here’s how I do it, step-by-step:

Container Calla Lilies: Two Options

Growing calla lilies in pots gives you some wiggle room. If you’re in a colder zone, you’ve got a couple of choices:

• Saying Goodbye: Treat them like annuals, let them die back, and just toss them. Easy peasy!
• Saving the Rhizomes: Follow the steps above for digging, cleaning, curing, and storing the rhizomes. Or, you can just haul the whole container indoors to a cool, dark spot and let the plant go dormant. Water very sparingly – just enough to keep the soil from turning to dust.

Spring Awakening

Come springtime, after the last frost has bid farewell, it’s time to replant your calla lily rhizomes. I like to get a head start by starting them indoors in pots a month or two before moving them outside. Plant the rhizomes about 1.5 to 2 inches deep in well-draining soil, pointy side up. Water gently until you see new growth popping up.

Fall Care: The Nitty-Gritty

• Watering Less: As fall creeps in, gradually cut back on the watering.
• No More Food: Stop fertilizing in late summer to let the plant wind down.
• Pest Patrol: Before bringing them inside, give your calla lilies a thorough check for any unwanted guests or diseases. Deal with any problems right away to keep them from spreading.
• Label, Label, Label!: If you’re growing different kinds of calla lilies, label them before storing the rhizomes. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself in the spring!

Follow these tips, and you’ll have your calla lilies snoozing soundly through the winter, ready to burst back into bloom next spring. Happy gardening!