Where should I plant my calla lily?

Where to Plant Your Calla Lily: Let’s Get Growing!

Calla lilies! Aren’t they just gorgeous? Those elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers and lush green leaves – they’re a real showstopper in any garden or floral arrangement. But where should you plant these beauties? Well, they’re originally from sunny South Africa, so they’re a bit particular. But don’t worry, with a little know-how, you can get them thriving, whether you’re planting them directly in the ground, in pots, or even bringing that touch of elegance indoors.

Sunshine: Not Too Much, Not Too Little

Sunlight is key, but it’s a Goldilocks situation: not too much, not too little, just right! Calla lilies love sunshine, but they also appreciate a bit of shade, especially when the weather heats up. If you live somewhere cooler, give them all the sunshine you can. Those rays will encourage them to bloom like crazy! But if you’re in a hotter climate, like me, afternoon shade is your best friend. Trust me, scorched leaves are not a good look.

Growing them indoors? A sunny window is a must. Think at least six hours of bright, indirect light. A south-facing window is usually perfect.

Soil: Think “Well-Drained Spa,” Not “Soggy Swamp”

Calla lilies are divas when it comes to their feet. They need well-drained soil. Imagine a luxurious spa experience, not a waterlogged swamp! While they adore moisture, soggy soil is a big no-no. Root rot is a real danger. If you’ve got heavy clay soil, like I used to, mix in plenty of organic matter like compost. It’ll improve drainage and give the roots room to breathe. Sandy soil? That drains great, but it might need a little extra love in the form of fertilizer.

Potting them up? Use a good quality, all-purpose potting mix that drains like a dream. I’ve had great success with soilless mixes too, especially those with coarse stuff like pine bark or sand.

Cold Climates and Overwintering: Don’t Let Them Freeze!

Calla lilies are generally happy campers in USDA zones 8-10. If you live in those areas, you can leave the rhizomes (those bulb-like roots) in the ground all year round. Lucky you! For those of us in colder zones (3-7), we have two choices: treat them as annuals (plant them every year) or overwinter the rhizomes inside.

Overwintering isn’t as scary as it sounds. In the fall, before the first frost threatens, dig up the rhizomes. Chop back the foliage to just an inch or two above the rhizome. Let them dry out for a few days in a warm spot. Then, pop them into a container with slightly damp peat moss or sawdust, and store them in a cool, dark place. Think basement or garage.

Planting 101: A Few Simple Steps

• Timing is Everything: Wait until spring, after the last frost, and when the soil is nice and warm (at least 65°F).
• Depth and Spacing: Plant the rhizomes about 2-4 inches deep, pointy side up! Space them about a foot apart in the garden, or closer in containers (around 4 inches).
• Watering: Go easy on the water at first, until you see some leaves popping up. Then, water regularly to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.
• Fertilizing: Give them a little boost with a slow-release fertilizer when you plant them. Don’t go overboard with the nitrogen, though. Too much will give you lots of leaves and not enough flowers. For container plants, a little water-soluble fertilizer once or twice a month during the growing season works wonders.

A Few Extra Tips

• Drainage, drainage, drainage! I can’t stress this enough.
• Keep them consistently moist. They don’t like to dry out completely.
• Watch out for pets! Calla lilies are poisonous to cats and dogs, so keep them out of reach.
• Get creative! Plant them in flowerbeds, borders, cutting gardens, or containers. They even look fantastic near ponds and streams.

With a little bit of attention, you’ll have calla lilies that are the envy of the neighborhood. Happy planting!