Q&A for How to Winterize Calla Lily Bulbs

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  • Question
    Can I store these in the fridge?
    Community Answer
    No. Put them somewhere cool, around 50-60 degrees and the bulbs will hibernate. If they get too cold they will just die.
  • Question
    It looks like there are seeds in my dried flowers. Can I plant them?
    Community Answer
    Callas make seeds, but it might take you two years before you can turn them into flowers. You must wait till the seeds are perfectly ripe, dried in the pod, then, as with bulbs, plant them when it is warm and bring them in when it is cool. They will do well with fertilizer and eventually will gain enough size to put out flowers. Good luck!
  • Question
    The article says that I can put my potted calla lily in a garden shed. However, my shed is unheated and it gets down to -25 here. Should I put the pot in a 70 degree basement instead?
    Community Answer
    Yes, put them in the 70 degree basement. Callas shouldn't be stored in temps lower than 50 to 60 degrees.
  • Question
    I bought calla lilies and I live in NY. I'm planting in a ceramic planter in my sun room. In the fall I'll bring them in due to severe weather and cold. How do I care for them once I bring the plant in?
    Community Answer
    Let the plants go dormant and greet them in the spring.
  • Question
    Inside the dead flower of my calla lily, the green bulb is left. Can I grow more lilies from it?
    Community Answer
    That's the fruiting body. Let it mature. Once it's turned brown and dry, the seeds will spill out; you can plant those.
  • Question
    Should I water my calla lily in a pan before planting it outdoors?
    Community Answer
    Yes, getting them started indoors is a great idea. They like moisture, so keeping them watered is also very good.
  • Question
    Can sawdust be used instead of peat moss for paper bag bulb storage?
    Community Answer
    Yes, as long as it doesn't contain sawdust from walnut or treated lumbar (including plywood).
  • Question
    How do I winterize multiple Calla Lily bulbs?
    Community Answer
    I tried an experiment with Calla Lilies that I had planted outdoors last year. I have never had success storing bulbs over the winter, so I left mine in the ground for a long Connecticut winter. I cut all the lilies down to about 2 inch height prior to the first frost, then put about 6" of packed baled hay over all of the entire Calla lily garden (2' x 14' area). Uncovered them in spring and I have many Calla Lilies growing this year. Definitely worth doing it again.
  • Question
    I put my calla lily bulbs in the garage over the winter. They are starting to sprout so I want to know if they need to be planted now, or if I can I wait until the end of April.
    Community Answer
    Callas like warmth, so if it is consistently warm where you are at, like above 70 degrees, then plant them out, otherwise give it some more time.
  • Question
    What are the seed-looking things inside the flower?
    Community Answer
    They are seeds. Let the pod turn brown and dry completely, then plant the seeds in spring.
  • Question
    In Florida, can I just cut the withered tops and replant or do they have to go through a dormant period?
    Community Answer
    Calla lilies fall asleep sometimes during summer and wake up during winter. Wait for the plants to wither, which means dormancy. Then if you need to you can divide them by breaking the joint of the bulbs that are well sized with many eyes. This way you won't disturb them.
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