Can I Plant a Store-Bought Calla Lily Outside? The Surprising Answer Revealed!
What To Know
- Begin by placing your calla lily in a sheltered outdoor location for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the time spent outdoors.
- Carefully place your calla lily in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
- In colder climates, dig up your calla lily bulbs before the first frost and store them indoors in a cool, dry place until spring.
The captivating beauty of calla lilies, with their trumpet-shaped blooms and elegant foliage, makes them a popular choice for indoor and outdoor gardens. But if you’ve just brought home a stunning calla lily from the store, you might be wondering: can I plant it outside? The answer, thankfully, is yes! But before you rush to dig a hole in your garden, there are a few important things to consider. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about planting a store-bought calla lily outside, ensuring its thriving transition from indoors to your outdoor oasis.
Understanding Calla Lily Varieties
The first step is to identify the type of calla lily you have. There are two main varieties:
- Arum lilies (Zantedeschia aethiopica): These are the most common type, boasting large, white flowers and vibrant green foliage. They are considered hardy in USDA zones 8-10, meaning they can tolerate mild winters.
- Calla lilies (Zantedeschia hybrids): This group includes a wider range of colors, including yellow, orange, pink, and purple. However, they are generally less cold-hardy than Arum lilies and may need to be treated as annuals in colder climates.
The Importance of Acclimatization
Store-bought calla lilies are typically grown in controlled environments, making them sensitive to sudden changes in temperature, humidity, and light. Before planting them outside, it’s crucial to acclimatize them gradually. This process, known as hardening off, helps them adjust to the outdoor conditions.
Hardening Off Your Calla Lily: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Start Slowly: Begin by placing your calla lily in a sheltered outdoor location for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the time spent outdoors.
2. Choose the Right Spot: Select a location that receives dappled sunlight, protecting your lily from harsh afternoon sun.
3. Monitor the Plant: Observe your calla lily for any signs of stress, such as wilting or leaf discoloration. If you notice any issues, reduce the amount of time spent outdoors.
4. Stay Consistent: Continue this process for about two weeks, gradually increasing the time spent outdoors until your calla lily can comfortably handle full-day exposure.
Choosing the Perfect Planting Spot
Once your calla lily is acclimatized, it’s time to find its permanent home in your garden.
- Sunlight: Calla lilies thrive in partial shade, receiving morning sun and afternoon shade. Avoid planting them in direct sunlight, especially during the hottest months.
- Soil: They prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic pH (6.0-6.5). Amend your soil with compost or peat moss to improve drainage and fertility.
- Spacing: Allow 12-18 inches between plants to ensure adequate air circulation and prevent overcrowding.
Planting Your Calla Lily: A Detailed Guide
1. Prepare the Soil: Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the pot your calla lily came in.
2. Loosen the Roots: Gently loosen the roots of your calla lily by gently separating them with your fingers. This will encourage faster root growth.
3. Place in the Hole: Carefully place your calla lily in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
4. Backfill and Water: Fill the hole with soil, gently pressing it down around the roots. Water thoroughly to settle the soil.
5. Mulch: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or compost, around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Caring for Your Outdoor Calla Lily
Once planted, your calla lily requires regular care to thrive:
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Fertilizing: Feed your calla lily with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
- Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to encourage new flower production.
- Winter Care: In colder climates, dig up your calla lily bulbs before the first frost and store them indoors in a cool, dry place until spring.
Calla Lily Pests and Diseases
While calla lilies are generally resistant to pests and diseases, they can sometimes be susceptible to:
- Aphids: These tiny insects can suck sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and wilting.
- Spider mites: These microscopic pests can cause stippling and webbing on the leaves.
- Leaf blight: This fungal disease can cause brown spots and lesions on the leaves.
Preventing and Treating Pests and Diseases
- Inspect Regularly: Regularly inspect your calla lilies for signs of pests or diseases.
- Use Insecticidal Soap: If you notice aphids or spider mites, treat them with insecticidal soap.
- Fungicides: If leaf blight is present, apply a fungicide to control the disease.
Enjoy Your Calla Lily’s Beauty
With proper care and attention, your store-bought calla lily will flourish in your outdoor garden, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to your landscape. Remember to enjoy its beauty as it blooms, bringing vibrant color and captivating charm to your outdoor space.
Beyond the Basics: Maximizing Your Calla Lily’s Success
- Companion Planting: Pair your calla lily with other shade-loving plants, such as ferns, hostas, and begonias, to create a stunning and harmonious display.
- Container Gardening: If you live in a colder climate or have limited space, consider growing your calla lily in a container. This allows you to move it indoors during the winter months.
- Propagating Your Calla Lily: Once your calla lily is established, you can easily propagate it by dividing the bulbs in the spring.
Final Thoughts: A Flourishing Outdoor Oasis
Planting a store-bought calla lily outside can be a rewarding experience, adding a touch of elegance and color to your garden. Remember to acclimatize your lily gradually, choose the right planting spot, and provide consistent care. With a little effort, you can enjoy the beauty of these captivating flowers for years to come.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Can I plant a store-bought calla lily outside in a pot?
A: Absolutely! Container planting is a great option for calla lilies, especially in colder climates or if you have limited space. Choose a pot with drainage holes and fill it with well-drained potting mix.
Q: When is the best time to plant a store-bought calla lily outside?
A: The best time to plant a store-bought calla lily outside is in the spring, after the last frost. However, you can plant them in the fall if you live in a mild climate.
Q: What should I do if my calla lily isn’t blooming?
A: Calla lilies may not bloom if they are not receiving enough sunlight or if they are not getting enough water. Make sure your calla lily is planted in a location that receives partial shade and that the soil is consistently moist. You can also try fertilizing it with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Are calla lilies poisonous to pets?
A: Yes, calla lilies are poisonous to pets. The leaves, stems, and flowers contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested. Keep your calla lily out of reach of pets.