How to Overwinter Calla Lilies in Pots: Essential Tips for Successful Preparation and Care

How to Overwinter Calla Lilies in Pots?

To overwinter calla lilies in pots, remove the tubers from storage in early March and plant them 10 cm deep in a pot filled with substrate and long-acting organic fertilizer.

Water well and place the pot in a bright room at room temperature.

Increase watering as the plant grows.

Calla lilies can be transplanted outdoors in mid-May or tubers can be planted directly in garden beds or outdoor pots in mid/late May.

Key Points:

  • Remove calla lily tubers from storage in early March
  • Plant tubers 10 cm deep in a pot with substrate and organic fertilizer
  • Water the pot well and place it in a bright room at room temperature
  • Increase watering as the plant grows
  • Transplant calla lilies outdoors in mid-May or directly plant tubers in garden beds or outdoor pots in mid/late May


Did You Know?

1. The Calla lily is not actually a true lily, but belongs to the family Araceae and is native to South Africa.
2. Calla lilies have a unique way of reproducing through tiny tubers called rhizomes, which form at the base of the plant and can be separated and replanted to create new plants.
3. While Calla lilies are typically grown as outdoor plants, they can also be successfully overwintered indoors in pots with proper care.
4. Overwintering Calla lilies in pots requires gradually reducing watering and fertilization as the colder months approach, allowing the foliage to turn yellow and die back naturally before entering a dormant state.
5. One interesting fact about Calla lilies is that their flowers are not actually flowers but modified leaves called spathes that surround the central spike-like structure called a spadix, which contains the tiny true flowers.

Calla Lilies: An Exotic Plant For Winter Survival

The calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) is an exotic plant known for its stunning trumpet-shaped flowers and beautiful foliage. It can instantly enhance the visual appeal of both gardens and indoor spaces. However, it is crucial to understand that calla lilies are not hardy and cannot withstand colder climates during winter. Nonetheless, with the following care tips, these delicate plants can be successfully overwintered and regrown in the spring:

  • Protect from frost: As calla lilies are sensitive to cold temperatures, it is important to safeguard them from frost. Consider placing them in a sheltered location or move them indoors before the frost sets in.
  • Cut back foliage: Once the calla lily finishes blooming, trim back the foliage to about 2 inches above the soil surface. This promotes healthier regrowth in the next growing season.
  • Store in a cool, dark place: After cutting back the foliage, carefully dig up the calla lily bulbs and gently remove excess soil. Allow the bulbs to dry naturally for a few days, and then store them in a cool and dark place, such as a basement or garage.
  • Monitor moisture levels: While in storage, ensure that the calla lily bulbs remain dry and free from moisture. Excess dampness can lead to rotting, so it’s essential to check on them occasionally.
  • Resume watering in spring: In early spring, when the danger of frost has passed, it’s time to reintroduce water to the calla lily bulbs. Gradually increase watering frequency as new growth emerges.

“Calla lilies can bring a touch of elegance to any garden or indoor space, but remember their sensitivity to colder climates. By providing proper care and following these guidelines, they can survive the winter and reward you with their beauty come spring.”

Overwintering Calla Lilies: Choose Frost-Tolerant Varieties

While most calla lilies are not frost tolerant, there is a variety called ‘Crowsborough’ that can withstand temperatures as low as -20 °C. If you want to overwinter your calla lilies outdoors, it’s crucial to ensure that you have the ‘Crowsborough’ variety or another frost-tolerant cultivar. This will ensure that your calla lilies can remain in the ground during winter and resprout in the spring.

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It’s also important to distinguish between the genuine calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) and the marsh calla (Calla palustris), which is hardy. Pay close attention to the plant’s botanical name to make sure you have the correct variety. While the marsh calla can withstand winter conditions, the true calla lily needs special care to survive the colder months.

Proper Care For Calla Lilies During Winter Months

Calla lilies are susceptible to frostbite, so it’s crucial to protect them from temperatures below 15 °C indoors and below 10 °C outdoors.
For indoor calla lilies, keep them in a bright location without direct sunlight and maintain a constant temperature of around 10 °C.
For garden calla lilies, it’s best to dig up the tubers in early October and store them for the winter months.
After digging up the tubers, allow them to dry for two to three days.
Then, move them to a dark, dry place with a temperature between 0 °C and 15 °C.
This provides the necessary cool temperatures and drought-like conditions that calla lilies require during winter.

Indoor Calla Lilies: Bright Location And Constant Temperature

To successfully overwinter indoor calla lilies, it’s crucial to provide them with the right conditions.

  • Keep the plants in a bright location that receives indirect sunlight.
  • Avoid placing them in direct sunlight as it can scorch their leaves.

In terms of temperature, indoor calla lilies require a constant temperature of around 10 °C. This ensures they receive the cool temperatures they need to go dormant during winter.

  • It’s important to maintain a consistent temperature to prevent any sudden fluctuations that can stress or harm the plant.
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Outdoor Calla Lilies: Digging Up And Storing Tubers For Winter

For successful overwintering of outdoor calla lilies, proper preparation and storage of tubers are crucial. In early October, it is recommended to dig up the tubers. Carefully remove the above-ground parts of the plant, leaving only the tubers intact.

Once the tubers are dug up, it is important to let them dry for two to three days. This drying period helps prevent moisture buildup that can lead to rot during storage. After they have dried, it is advisable to move the tubers to a frost-free, dark, and dry location. Using a box filled with dry sand or straw can provide the necessary insulation and moisture control.

Maintaining a storage temperature below 15 °C is essential. This temperature range allows the calla lily tubers to remain dormant without freezing or becoming too warm. It is also important to water the tubers sparingly during winter, allowing the substrate to almost completely dry out before watering them.

Spring Care For Overwintered Calla Lilies

When spring arrives, it’s time to start preparing your calla lilies for the growing season ahead. Slowly increase the temperature to 12-15 °C as the days become warmer. This gradual temperature increase helps the plant transition out of dormancy without shocking it.

As the calla lilies begin to grow again, gradually increase watering. Start with small amounts and gradually increase the frequency and quantity as the plant shows signs of new growth. This will help avoid overwatering and allow the plant to acclimate to the increasing demand for moisture.

Garden calla lilies that have been overwintered as tubers do not require much extra care. Simply monitor them for any signs of pest infestation, particularly leaf aphids and spider mites. Regularly remove any dead plant parts, but pruning is generally not needed.

For calla lilies that have been overwintered in pots, there are two options for putting them outdoors in spring. You can either plant the tubers directly in the garden beds or outdoor pots, or you can plant them in a pot first to give them a head start and achieve earlier blooming. If you choose the latter option, use a potting mix enriched with a slow-release fertilizer to provide the necessary nutrients. Plant the tuber about 10 cm deep in the pot, cover with substrate, and water regularly.

Remember that calla lilies are toxic, so it’s important to wear gloves when handling them. With the right care and attention, you can successfully overwinter calla lilies in pots and enjoy their stunning blooms year after year.

This article provides detailed instructions and tips for overwintering calla lilies in pots. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your calla lilies survive the winter and thrive in the coming seasons.

  • Slowly increase temperature to 12-15 °C
  • Gradually increase watering as plant shows signs of new growth
  • Monitor for pests, particularly leaf aphids and spider mites
  • Pruning is generally not needed for overwintered tubers
  • Options for placing overwintered calla lilies in pots
  • Use potting mix enriched with slow-release fertilizer
  • Plant tuber about 10 cm deep in the pot
  • Wear gloves when handling calla lilies
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do you keep calla lilies potted over winter?

To keep potted calla lilies over winter, it is essential to bring them indoors before freezing weather sets in, unless you reside in Zones 8 to 10 where they can withstand colder temperatures. Once inside, place the pots in a sunny window to provide them with the necessary light for continued growth. Another option would be to carefully dig up the rhizomes and store them indoors until the warmer weather returns. By implementing these measures, you can ensure the survival and health of your calla lilies throughout the winter months.

Can you leave lilies in pots over winter?

Yes, it is possible to leave lilies in pots over winter. For optimal overwintering, it is recommended to keep the containers in a cool, frost-free environment with good air circulation and ample sunlight. In regions like southern England, where many lilies are fully hardy, they can even be left outside in larger containers throughout the year. By providing the necessary conditions, lilies in pots can successfully survive the winter season.

Do calla lilies lose their leaves in winter?

Yes, calla lilies do lose their leaves in winter. As part of their natural growth cycle, the leaves of calla lilies die down after flowering. It is important to provide them with a period of dormancy during the winter months, where they require little to no water. By moving them to a dry and frost-free location, preferably in the dark, they can undergo their necessary period of rest until spring arrives.

Can I put a potted calla lily outside?

Yes, potted calla lilies can indeed be placed outside as long as it’s during the summer season. These versatile plants can thrive both as houseplants all year round and as summer annuals in outdoor pots. However, if you wish to keep them for another year, they will need to be dug up and stored dormant indoors during the colder months to ensure their survival and regrowth in the following year.

References: 1, 2, 3, 4

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