Generally speaking, it is not recommended to leave calla lilies in the ground year round due to their specific growing needs. These plants require a period of dry dormancy during the winter, which means they need to spend some time in cooler temperatures with little to no water.
Furthermore, they will not survive in places with cold temperatures below freezing. If you live in a region that experiences cold winters and you would still like to keep them in the ground, it is best to dig up the bulbs and store them in a cool, dry place until spring.
When the weather warms up, you can replant them in the ground.
When should I dig up my calla lily bulbs?
The best time to dig up your calla lily bulbs is in the fall, once the foliage has died down or when the plants have stopped blooming. In general, you should wait until around 6-8 weeks after the last expected frost of the season.
If the foliage and flowers start to look unhealthy, it could be a sign that the plant is not actively growing. This can be an indication that it is time to dig up the bulbs for storage. When you are ready to dig up the bulbs, use a garden fork or spade to carefully lift them from the soil, taking care to ensure that they do not break or tear apart in the process.
After they are carefully lifted from the soil, shake off any excess dirt and place them on a dry surface in a well ventilated area. Give them a day or two to dry out before storing them in a paper bag or wooden box, in an area with low humidity.
How do you keep calla lilies away for the winter?
To keep calla lilies away for the winter, there are a few steps you can take. First, it’s best to dig them up before the first frost and replant them indoors in a container with drainage holes. Make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the lilies’ root systems and add a layer of soil.
Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and place the container in a bright, warm location with indirect sunlight to ensure the lilies continue to thrive. During the winter, fertilize the lilies every couple of weeks to promote healthy growth.
When the temperatures begin to warm up in the spring, replant the lilies outdoors and make sure to water them frequently. With these proper care techniques, your calla lilies should stay away for the winter and come back looking healthy and vibrant in the spring.
Do outdoor calla lilies come back every year?
No, outdoor calla lilies are typically grown as annuals, meaning they will only live and bloom for one growing season before they die. This means that, in order to have outdoor calla lilies every year, you must replant them each season.
However, in some warmer climates, calla lilies may come back every year if planted and cared for properly. To encourage reblooming for successive seasons, it is important to mulch soil around the calla lilies in winter to help insulate them from the cold.
If planting calla lilies in an area that experiences freezing temperatures, it is recommended to dig them up and store them indoors during the cold months to ensure the bulbs remain viable.
How do I save calla lilies bulbs for next year?
Saving calla lilies bulbs for next year is a great way to ensure you have the same beautiful flowers in your garden for years to come. Here are some steps to take to ensure you are successful in your bulb preservation:
1. At the end of the growing season, when the foliage has died back, dig up the calla lily bulbs and let them dry out in a cool, dry place. Once they are completely dry, place them in a paper or mesh bag and store them in a cool, dry place away from bright sunlight and high temperatures.
2. Before replanting the bulbs in the fall, inspect them for signs of rot and discard any that are damaged.
3. Plant the calla lily bulbs in well-draining soil and in areas where they will receive partial to full sun. Protect the bulbs from winter chill by adding a layer of mulch to insulate the soil.
4. Water the bulbs regularly, making sure the soil is slightly damp but not soggy.
Following these steps will help ensure your calla lilies come back year after year.
How do you transplant calla lily bulbs?
To transplType your calla lily bulbs, start by preparing the new planting site by loosening the soil and removing any weeds, rocks, or debris. Make sure to select a location that is sunny and evenly moist.
When you’re ready to plant, dig a hole the same depth as the bulb, typically around 2-3 inches deep. At the bottom, you can add a handful of fertilizer or compost to support growth. Place the bulb in the hole with the root end down and the center point facing up.
Cover with soil, making sure to keep the center point of the bulb exposed. Water immediately after planting. For best results, you can also add a layer of mulch on top of the soil. Water regularly, and your calla lilies should begin to grow shortly after planting.
Will calla lilies multiply?
Yes, calla lilies will multiply. Generally, calla lilies need to be divided when they have become overcrowded or when the bloom decreases. When dividing, the whole root clump should be dug up, washed, and separated into several pieces, each with a fan of leaves and its own root system.
The pieces can then be planted in individual holes in the soil. Water thoroughly, and wait for new sprouts to emerge from the root system, giving your calla lilies a chance to multiply.
Can I bring my calla lily back to life?
Yes, it is possible to revive a calla lily that appears to be dead. The first step is to give the lily a nice thorough drink of water. Make sure to soak the entire root ball of the lily and give it enough water to last for several days.
Next, check the roots of the lily to make sure that there is still life, if not, prune the end of the roots with a sharp blade, just to the point of where new growth is visible. Place the lily in a cool and shady area, with slightly damp soil.
Having acidic soil helps as well. You can also try to use a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer to give the lily a boost. With constant care and attention, the lily should eventually come back to life. Make sure to check the soil on a regular basis to make sure it remains moist, but not too saturated.
Also, if you see any disease or infected leaves, it’s best to cut them off to keep the lily healthy. With proper care and attention, your lily should come back to life.
How many years do calla lilies last?
Calla lilies grown in pots typically last three to six years, while calla lilies grown in the ground may last a bit longer. However, the life span of a calla lily is not set in stone and depends largely on the regional climate and care that the plant receives.
With optimal care, calla lilies may bloom for more than six years, while neglected plants may only last a season or two. Furthermore, it is important to note that calla lilies flower in the spring and summer and go dormant in the winter months.
If a calla lily is kept from going dormant, it may not live as long. In order to ensure the longest lifespan for a calla lily, it is recommended that the soil it is planted in is well-draining and the plant receives at least six hours of morning sunlight each day.
What do you do with calla lilies after they bloom?
When calla lilies have finished blooming, their foliage should be cut back and removed. The plant should be fertilized lightly and the soil should continue to be kept moist to promote new foliage. The calla lily may produce flowers again in the next season.
You can also divide them to create new plants. To do this, carefully dig around the root of the plant and distinguish the rhizome (underground stem) from the roots. Separate and discard any dead or damaged parts, then replant the rhizome in the original soil or a new pot with suitable drainage.
Make sure the rhizomes are planted with the buds facing upwards and at least 4 inches apart to ensure adequate growth.
What do you do with lilies when they have finished flowering?
Once your lilies have finished flowering, there are a few things you can do with them to keep them looking great. First, you should deadhead the flowers, which means removing spent blooms and stems. This will help keep your lilies looking neat and tidy, and it also encourages more robust growth.
You can also give your lilies a bit of a trim by cutting back some of the stems and foliage. This will help stimulate new growth and keep your lilies looking full and lush. When trimming your lilies, always use sharp shears and cut back to a bud or a leaf-joint.
After trimming, your lilies may need a bit of fertilizer to help them thrive. Feed them with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during their growing season, and make sure they stay well-watered.
Finally, you should divide your lilies every few years. During the spring or early fall, dig up the roots, separate them, and replant them in fresh soil. This will help your lilies bloom even better in the future.
Do calla lilies go dormant?
Yes, Calla lilies do go dormant after they flower each year. They will typically begin their dormancy period in the fall and winter and it may last anywhere from two months to several months depending on the climate in which they are growing.
The dormancy phase of the Calla lillies is known as “raining down” and it occurs when the plant’s energy is focused on replenishing its bulb and stores for future growth. When this dormancy phase begins, the foliage will usually turn yellow and start to die back as the plant begins to store energy and prepare for winter.
During this time, it is best to stop fertilizing the plant and allow it to go through the dormancy phase naturally.