The Planting Technique That Helps Calla Lily Blooms Last For Months

When you first spot a calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) in bloom, you'll be amazed at its beauty and never want the flowers to fade. Lucky for you, these imposing plants that are native to Africa, and also commonly known as the African lily, bloom for quite a long time. If you cut the flowers and bring them in to display in a vase, you can enjoy the outstanding blooms for at least a week or two more, especially if you follow some top tips on keeping calla lilies looking fresh while blooming. 

Gardeners in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 10 can grow these beauties in their gardens. Still, it's actually far better to employ a more desirable planting technique and grow calla lilies in pots or large containers. Not only will this prevent the plants from taking over your garden entirely as they spread quite vigorously through underground rhizomes, but you might be able to help the calla lilies bloom for months by getting them started indoors. It's important to note that this species is considered invasive in California, which is an even greater reason to grow it in a container. As these plants can reach a maximum height of 3 feet, you want to select a pot large enough to ensure that the plant doesn't become too top-heavy. Once you have a calla lily successfully thriving in a pot, you can easily multiply your collection by propagating the plants through rhizome or root division. Just keep in mind that this species is toxic to humans and pets, so handle it with care.

Once you've selected a suitable pot, fill it with a premium potting mix that drains well but also contains some organic matter. Plant the rhizomes around 1 to 2 inches deep in the mix. You can plant up to three rhizomes in a 2 to 3-gallon container, but for smaller flowering hybrids or cultivars, you can plant a single rhizome in a pot that's around 6 inches in diameter. Once your rhizomes are planted, it should take around 70 to 95 days for them to flower as long as the plants are kept at night-time temperatures above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

You can start your calla lilies indoors around six to eight weeks before the last expected frost date. Make sure you keep the soil moist and place the pots in a fairly warm spot. As soon as you start to see some foliage growth, move the pots to a bright spot, such as near a sunny window. When the danger of frost has passed, you can move your plants outdoors, but make sure you harden them off before exposing them to full sun. Your plants will bloom better when exposed to sunlight, although they can handle a little afternoon shade. Blooming time can start as early as June but continue until August. If you're a houseplant enthusiast, you might want to consider growing the pink calla lily  (Zantedeschia rehmannii), as this species is an excellent option for a colorful houseplant to perk up your indoor space.