Do Calla Lilies grow well in Florida? All You Need to Know

I have always been enamored with the grace and charm of calla lilies as a fervent flower admirer living in the lovely state of Florida. In any garden or floral arrangement, these stunning flowers, known for their trumpet-shaped blooms and vivid colours, command attention. However, it is crucial to know if calla lilies flourish in Florida’s particular environment before starting the process of growing these gorgeous flowers. Come along with me as we delve into the world of calla lilies in Florida and learn the keys to their thriving development.

Do Calla Lilies grow well in Florida?

Calla lilies grow well in the tropical climate of Florida, making it an ideal environment for their growth. Calla lilies may flourish and produce beautiful blooms in the Sunshine State with the necessary care and attention, including appropriate watering, enough sunshine, well-draining soil, and timely fertilizer. Florida’s moderate winters and long growing season give these exquisite blooms plenty of room to develop and enhance gardens and landscapes.

When to Grow Calla Lilies in Florida?

Let’s first determine the best time of year to cultivate calla lilies in Florida before getting into their intricate cultivation. Florida is the perfect place for the production of calla lilies since they are warm-weather plants that thrive in tropical and subtropical climates. In order to get the best results, it is crucial to choose the correct season for planting.

Planting in the Spring: Calla lilies are commonly planted in Florida in the spring, when the weather is moderate and the risk of frost has passed. This time enables the bulbs to develop strong roots prior to the sweltering summer months.
Alternately, you may plant calla lilies in the autumn, in October or November, when the temperature starts to chill. Bulb planting in the fall gives them a head start, allowing them to establish a solid root system throughout the colder months and blossom magnificently in the spring.

When do calla lilies bloom in Florida?

Calla lilies bloom in Florida in early summers when they are planted at the start of spring or late winters. Florida represents zone 8 to 11 so it is easy to care for calla lilies in these zone, you may expect the bloom in early summers. All you need to do is to make sure calla lilies are getting enough water and light for a few hours a day in Florida.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Gardeners in Florida can enjoy calla lilies in summer every year and the zone is good for the plants to grow. When you plant calla lilies in spring it takes time to grow shoots. After that it will thrive for 4-5 months and show flower blooms. These calla blooms in Florida can be seen for 3-7 weeks depending on the climate change or frost status.

These plants are actually perennial and in some regions calla lilies grow as an annual because these plants don’t like the cold and can get affected by the frost easily. Some people take it inside the house and provide a warmer temperature while others pack its roots and safeguard it until the next spring. Once the spring starts they plant it inside the pot and again wait for the calla lilies to bloom.

Soil should be well drained and fertile, providing a good light source in Florida can enhance its growth. As you know every plant needs water to build its shoot and foliage so does calla lily.

Best Places to Buy Calla Lily Bulbs

Now that we know when in Florida is the best time to plant calla lilies, let’s investigate the best places to get these lovely bulbs. To guarantee healthy development and bright blooms, use reliable vendors when buying high-quality calla lily bulbs. Think about the following choices:

1. Local nurseries and garden stores often have a wide selection of calla lily bulbs suitable for Florida’s environment in stock. By going to these places, you may examine the bulbs in person to make sure they are sound and free of any damage or illness.

2. Online merchants: Buying calla lily bulbs is also a convenience when doing it online. Numerous online merchants with a focus on flower bulbs provide a wide variety of calla lily variations.

Buy Fresh Calla Lily Bulbs/Rhizome :

White Calla Lily Bulbs, Organic Bulbs

Calla Lily Zantedeschia Yellow 2 Bulbs

Calla Lily Zantedeschia BLACK 2 Bulbs

Calla Lily Zantedeschia Red Fire 2 Bulbs

Best Place to Plant Calla Lilies

It is important to carefully examine a number of variables when deciding where to grow calla lilies, such as sunshine exposure, soil quality, and overall aesthetic appeal. Let’s look at the ideal methods for calla lily planting in Florida gardens.

Calla lilies need strong, indirect sunshine to grow and flourish. In Florida, it’s best to give them some shade during the warmest part of the day, especially during the sweltering summer. To guarantee optimum development, think about planting them where they would get morning light and afternoon shade.
Calla lilies like soil that drains well and has a pH range of slightly acidic to neutral. Enhancing soil drainage is crucial in Florida, where sandy soil is common and susceptible to waterlogging. While ensuring correct drainage, adding organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure may enhance moisture retention.
Aesthetics and Companion Planting: Consider your garden’s overall aesthetic appeal when deciding where to place your calla lilies. These sophisticated blooms may enhance current floral arrangements or make magnificent focal pieces. They provide a beautiful and harmonious show when planted next to other vivid flowers like roses, dahlias, or lilies.

Planting Calla Lilies in the Garden

After determining the ideal location for our calla lilies, let’s move on to the planting procedure itself. The establishment and development of calla lilies in the garden depend heavily on using the right planting methods. To preserve the health of your calla lilies, do the following actions:

The first step is to prepare the soil. To a depth of about 8 to 10 inches, loosen the soil by clearing away any weeds or debris. To improve fertility and drainage, add organic matter to the soil.
Digging and spacing: To give the plants enough area to spread and thrive, dig holes that are around 4-6 inches deep and place them 12–18 inches apart.
Planting the Bulbs: Insert the calla lily bulbs, pointed ends up, into the prepared holes. Assemble a layer of earth over them, being sure to sufficiently settle them but not to bury them too deeply. A calla lily prefers shallow planting, so keep that in mind.
Mulching and watering: After planting, give the bulbs plenty of water to help their roots take hold. Apply a layer of organic mulch, such straw or bark chips, to the soil to control soil temperature, prevent weed development, and retain moisture.
Maintain regular soil moisture, making sure it’s still damp but not soggy. Keep an eye on moisture levels often and change your watering plan as necessary.

Planting Calla Lilies in Containers

You may still grow calla lilies in containers in Florida due to the state’s excellent environment if you like the adaptability and mobility of container gardening. Container gardening makes it simple to transport plants to various garden locations or even inside during severe weather. To plant calla lilies in pots, follow these simple instructions:

Choosing a Container: To avoid waterlogging, use a container with drainage holes at the bottom that has a minimum diameter of 10 to 12 inches. Pick clay or other porous materials for your pots to let excess moisture evaporate.
Use a potting mix that is well-draining and designed exclusively for container planting. Avoid using garden soil since it might compress and interfere with good drainage.
Planting Instructions: Put the calla lily bulbs in the pot and fill it with potting soil so that it extends about two inches below the rim. Ample spacing between the bulbs is necessary to avoid crowding.
Watering and upkeep: After planting, thoroughly water the container and let any extra water drain away. Keep the soil wet, but watch out for overwatering. Check the soil moisture often, and then change your watering plan as necessary.
Feed your calla lilies in containers every two to three weeks during the growth season using a balanced liquid fertilizer. Observe the manufacturer’s recommended dilution rate.

You may successfully grow calla lilies in containers by according to these instructions, giving your Florida garden a touch of class and adaptability.

How to Care for Calla Lilies in Florida

Let’s examine the critical elements of calla lily care and maintenance now that we have covered the fundamentals of planting them. Your calla lilies will grow vigorously, produce an abundance of flowers, and live a long time with proper care. When caring for calla lilies in Florida’s environment, keep in mind the following crucial factors:

Water Requirements

For optimum development, calla lilies in Florida need a certain amount of water. Although plants like wetness, it’s necessary to prevent situations that are too wet. Use the following irrigation recommendations:

Maintain a uniform moisture level in the soil since calla lilies require constant moisture levels. However, use caution to avoid overwatering, which may result in root rot and other fungi illnesses.
Check the top inch of soil often to check the moisture levels in the soil. It’s time to water if it seems dry. Based on the weather and the soil’s ability to retain moisture, adjust your watering plan.
During dry spells or extended periods of heat, calla lilies may need watering every two to three days in Florida’s warm environment. Keep an eye out for trends in rainfall and change your watering schedule appropriately.

Fertilizing

For calla lilies to develop strongly and produce brilliant blooms, proper fertilizer is essential. Sandy soils in Florida need sufficient nutrition due to their lack of nutrients. To fertilize effectively, remember these suggestions:

Slow-Release Fertilizer: To ensure a consistent supply of nutrients over a long period of time, mix a slow-release balanced fertilizer into the soil after planting.
Liquid Fertilizer: During the growth season, use a liquid fertilizer as a supplement to the slow-release fertilizer, such as a balanced 10-10-10 formulation. Apply the fertilizer every two to three weeks after diluting it in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Alternatives made of organic materials: If you prefer organic fertilizers, think about using fish emulsion, compost, or well-rotted manure. These organic fertilizers enhance the soil while supplying vital nutrients.

Pruning

Calla lilies’ health and attractiveness are critically dependent on pruning. Pruning on a regular basis aids in disease management, size regulation, and the removal of wasted flowers. Follow these calla lily pruning instructions:

Remove faded calla lily blossoms by cutting the flower stems just above the plant’s root zone. This promotes the growth of new blooms and stops the plant from using energy to produce seeds.
Controlling Plant Size: Remove extra bulbs or divide clumps of calla lilies if they get congested or start to intrude on nearby plants. This encourages airflow and prevents the spread of illness.
Trim any dead or yellowing foliage to maintain the plant’s overall visual appeal. Pruning Dead or Yellow Foliage. However, be careful not to remove too much healthy foliage since it is essential for photosynthesis and the creation of energy.

Fungal Diseases

Due of the humidity in Florida, fungus infections may affect calla lilies. Preventative actions and proper care may reduce the likelihood of contracting these illnesses and increase the life of your plants. To avoid and manage fungal illnesses, take into account the following advice:

As previously indicated, calla lilies need well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging. A good drainage system reduces the possibility of fungus infections brought on by too much moisture.
Plant calla lilies with enough space between them to allow for appropriate air circulation. A healthy environment with adequate air circulation makes it less likely for fungal spores to accumulate and makes it harder for diseases to spread.
Fungicidal Treatments: Treat your plants with the proper fungicide according to the manufacturer’s directions if you see symptoms of a fungus disease, such as leaf spots or powdery mildew. When used as soon as a disease manifests itself, fungicidal therapies are most successful.

Controlling Pests

A few common pests may still harm calla lilies even though they are often resistant to pest infestations in Florida. To maintain the health and beauty of your calla lilies, prompt detection and management methods are crucial. Pay attention to the following typical pests:

Aphids: The feeding on plant sap by these tiny, soft-bodied insects may cause stunted development and deformed leaves. Use insecticidal soap or a strong stream of water to push aphids away from the plants to control them.
Snails and slugs: Due to the humidity of Florida, these slimy critters are very active. By removing dirt and using natural slug and snail baits around the plants, you can protect your calla lilies.
Spider mites are tiny parasites that feed on plant sap and cause leaves to become speckled or discolored. To prevent spider mite infestations, increase the humidity surrounding the plants. If infestations do happen, apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.

You can maintain the flourishing development of calla lilies in your Florida garden by putting these maintenance techniques into practice and being cautious against pests and illnesses.

Common Calla Lily Pests in Florida

Aphids

Small, soft-bodied insects known as aphids often assemble in huge groups on the undersides of leaves or on fresh growth. They consume plant sap, which has the potential to limit development, distort leaves, and spread viruses to plants. To eradicate aphids:

To remove them off the plants, spray a vigorous stream of water on them or use insecticidal soap.
To control aphid numbers, introduce natural predators like as ladybugs or lacewings.
To get rid of aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil as directed by the manufacturer.

Slugs and snails

Pests that prowl at night like snails and slugs may seriously harm calla lilies. In leaves, flowers, even bulbs, they make erratic holes. Slugs and snail control:

Take out any clutter, pebbles, or other hiding places they could use throughout the day.
To keep them away from the plants, put up barriers such as copper tape or diatomaceous earth.
Apply natural slug and snail baits throughout the garden, following the directions on the packaging.

Mite spiders

Small parasites called spider mites feed on plant fluids, causing stippled or discolored leaves. They may be a problem in Florida’s climate since they thrive well in hot, dry environments. Managing spider mites

By periodically spraying the plants or using a humidifier, you may raise the relative humidity in the area.
To remove the mites from the plants, spray them with a strong stream of water.
Spider mites may be eliminated by using insecticidal soap or horticultural oil as directed.

You can shield your plants from common pests that can try to obstruct your calla lilies’ development in Florida by putting these pest control methods into place and keeping an eye on them on a regular basis.

What months do calla lilies bloom?

Calla lilies bloom in the month of June and if planted in late spring calla lilies can flower in August as it takes 4-5 months to bloom. Calla lily early blooming also depends on temperature, climate conditions and fertilizer as they increase the bloom time early in summer. You can also plant calla lilies once frost ends & the chances of rhizome damage is reduced. When calla lilies are given enough light and proper nutrients it is able to grow more and thrive which result in early bloom. These plants belong to the Zantedeschia family and they are termed as perennial plants which means they will grow next year again if protected from the winter frost.

People living in USDA zone 8,9,10 and above can expect early blooming of calla lilies as it is more warmer compared to below zones. For zone 3,4,5,6,7 the calla bulbs can get damaged so we can say they are annual in those zones as the chances of survival of calla lily bulb is less but if they safeguard from the frost it will definitely grow next year as perennial.

Do calla lilies bloom all summer?

Calla lilies can grow outside in full sun to partial shade and they most likely bloom in summer months like June, July or august but not in October month. If it was flowering in august then it was planted late after waiting for the frost to be cleared. Calla lilies that are grown in containers indoors can see flowering late as less light source would reduce the growth of the plant.

Calla lilies can grow all summer but that depends on when calla bulbs are planted. You can see bloom in the first 1-2 months but I have heard that if you plant it indoors we can expect the bloom to stay the whole year.

Why is my calla lily not flowering?

Most common reason why calla lily is not a flower is due to Too much fertilizing. Also Calla lily not blooming because of less depth in containers or used small pots, low light can also be a reason behind calla lily not flowering. Wrong pruning done by Cutting off some of the leaves that would bring flowers but it was cut down early and next year we can’t find new flowers.

Too much Fertilizer or particularly nitrogen in heavy quantities can prevent the calla lilies from flowering. Plants which have added phosphorus rich fertilizer can make new blooms in calla lily. Less caring and not proper water also result in no bloom in calla lilies.

Do calla lilies come back year after year?

Calla lilies come back year after year and bloom next year if its rhizome protected. calla lilies if receive all nutrients, light, water then they will definitely grow next year and flower in summer. For zones which are cold can have hard time growing calla as they can be denoted as annual due to frost damage in calla lily bulbs. If you can save it and plant it next spring then it will surely come back next year.

Flowering plants like calla lilies are fast grown if you give them proper sunlight although they can also grow in partial shade. For winters some people place calla lily indoors to protect them from damage and use heater or warmer to make sure these plants don’t feel frost. This way they save the life of the calla plant. Once frost months end they used to grow them back in the outdoor garden.

Calla lilies are one of the beautiful flowering plants that are easy to grow but for winters you need to take extra care otherwise these plants can be called annual because they die due to frost. And people often take them back inside the house and if needed bulbs are taken out and packed in moss to provide the protection so we can again grow back calla lilies and yes they will keep coming year after year.

How do you keep calla lilies blooming?

Here are the list to keep calla lily plant to bloom longer:

Sufficient Parital Light or Full Sun.
Protect it from winters as the coldness is very challenging for calla lily bulbs.
Using a nutrient rich soil is helpful.
Using a flowering phosphorus rich fertilizer could make a difference in blooms.
Calla lily moist soil and timney watering can help plants grow to its fullest.

Do calla lilies bloom all season?

Most Calla lilies bloom in the summer season, and they were planted 3-5 months before they can give new flowers. It can take more time depending on the quality of soil and also if given fertilizer and adequate light. As you know, warmer climates have more early blooms because the growth in full sun is better than the partial light. Also Sometimes they don’t bloom if they are inside container with less depth but there might be more reason like some owner forgot to give them water.

When do calla lilies bloom in zone 7,8,9?

Calla lilies in zone 7 bloom in late summer or at the end of summer season. While zone 8,9 can see calla lilies blooming in early summer to mid as they get lots of warm climate and full sun. As you know, growth increases when plants get all the things that they need.

In conclusion, calla lilies may thrive in Florida’s varied environment if given the right care and consideration. You may enjoy the beauty of calla lilies in your Florida garden by knowing the ideal planting period, purchasing premium bulbs, selecting good planting areas, and giving them the proper care. Always keep an eye on your plants’ water needs, fertilize regularly, trim as required, and take preventative measures to ward against pests and diseases. These recommendations will help you grow gorgeous calla lilies that radiate grace and elegance, boosting the appeal of your Florida environment.

Do String of Hearts Like Grow Lights?

15 Vegetables that are Actually Fruits?

Is Aloe Vera A Cactus?

Epsom salt for plants – Used as Fertilizer Or Not Good(My Take)