Description

Calla Lilies are now available in a wonderful range of colours not previously available. With a little care in the selection of their final growing position and cultivation, they will provide a rewarding show of flowers either in the garden or pot container. They also make a wonderful and artistic statement when picked as cut flowers for a vase or arrangement.

Cultivation

Select a growing site that is well sheltered from the prevailing wind and is sunny through the major proportion of the day. Callas lilies prefer a warm head and cool feet and therefore temperature is important to their performance. An ideal day temperature would be 18 to 25 degrees C and nights of 12 to 18 degrees C. Higher day temperatures can be tolerated provided the soil or growing media does not overheat as this will cause stress and possible bulb rot. Some shade, especially from the hot afternoon sun may be required to ensure soil temperatures do not rise above 23 degrees C. Low temperatures will also reduce flower yield and stem lengths.

Light is critical to colour clarity and plant height. Permanent shaded conditions can cause stem elongation, weaker growth resulting in low flower yields and washed out colours.

Calla Lilly prefer a natural soil which is fertile, free draining and friable with a pH of 6.5. A base application of an appropriate NPK balanced fertilizer should be added to the soil prior to planting of the bulbs. The addition of a thoroughly decomposed organic material will assist the nutrient holding capacity of the soil and growth of the tuber. A side dressing of a slow release fertilizer can be spread around the plants once they are properly established. Alternatively a foliar fertilizer may be used, however either application should contain higher levels of nitrogen during the lush growth stage and higher potash during flowering.

Callas require regular irrigation in the early stages of growth and this should be provided ‘little and often’, but never let the soil get sodden! Water first thing in the morning or after the heat of the day. Sawdust or mulch on top of the planted area will help ensure moisture retention and reflect excess heat. Provided they are not water logged in the winter months or over crowded, Calla Lilly bulbs can be left undisturbed in the soil for many years.