What To Know
- As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, it’s crucial to provide proper care for your calla lilies to ensure their survival and vibrant bloom in the spring.
- Carefully lift them from the ground, remove excess soil, and allow them to air-dry in a warm, well-ventilated area for a few weeks.
- If you wish to overwinter calla lilies in pots, choose containers with drainage holes and fill them with a well-draining potting mix.
As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, it’s crucial to provide proper care for your calla lilies to ensure their survival and vibrant bloom in the spring. This comprehensive guide will delve into the essential steps on how to care for calla lily in winter, ensuring their well-being throughout the cold season.
Preparing for Winter
1. Digging and Drying: When the foliage turns yellow and brown, it’s time to dig up the calla lily bulbs. Carefully lift them from the ground, remove excess soil, and allow them to air-dry in a warm, well-ventilated area for a few weeks.
2. Cleaning and Inspection: Once the bulbs are dry, remove any remaining soil or debris. Inspect them for any signs of damage or disease. Discard any bulbs that appear soft, mushy, or discolored.
3. Storing the Bulbs: Store the dried calla lily bulbs in a cool, dark, and dry place with good ventilation. Ideal storage temperatures range between 40-50°F (4-10°C).
Overwintering Calla Lilies
1. Potting: If you wish to overwinter calla lilies in pots, choose containers with drainage holes and fill them with a well-draining potting mix. Plant the bulbs about 2-3 inches deep and water them thoroughly.
2. Light Requirements: Calla lilies prefer bright, indirect light during the winter months. Place them in a south- or west-facing window where they can receive ample sunlight.
3. Watering: Water calla lilies sparingly during the winter. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.
4. Fertilizing: Do not fertilize calla lilies during the winter. Fertilizing can stimulate growth, which can weaken the bulbs.
Pruning and Maintenance
1. Pruning: Remove any dead or yellowing leaves throughout the winter to prevent disease.
2. Pest and Disease Control: Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids and mealybugs. Treat infestations promptly with appropriate insecticides.
3. Checking for Sprouts: In late winter or early spring, check the calla lily bulbs for new sprouts. Once sprouts emerge, gradually increase watering and provide more sunlight.
Re-Planting in Spring
1. Hardening Off: Before replanting calla lilies outdoors, gradually expose them to outdoor temperatures over a period of 1-2 weeks. This hardening-off process helps them adjust to the change in environment.
2. Planting Time: Replant calla lilies outdoors after the last frost date in your area. Choose a well-drained location with plenty of sunlight.
3. Planting Depth: Plant the calla lily bulbs about 2-3 inches deep and space them 6-12 inches apart.
Tips for Success
- Use a well-draining potting mix to prevent waterlogging.
- Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
- Provide plenty of sunlight during the winter months.
- Protect calla lilies from frost and freezing temperatures.
- Replant calla lilies outdoors after the last frost date in your area.
Takeaways: Winter Care for Calla Lilies
By following these steps, you can ensure the well-being of your calla lilies during the winter months. With proper care, these beautiful plants will reward you with vibrant blooms and lush foliage in the spring. Remember to observe your calla lilies closely, adjust care as needed, and enjoy the beauty they bring to your garden.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Why are my calla lily bulbs soft and mushy?
A: Soft and mushy bulbs indicate rot. Discard these bulbs and check the remaining bulbs for any signs of damage or disease.
Q: How often should I water calla lilies in winter?
A: Water calla lilies sparingly during the winter, only when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Q: What is the best temperature range for storing calla lily bulbs?
A: The ideal storage temperature range for calla lily bulbs is between 40-50°F (4-10°C).
