Beginner Gardening: my 2013 flowers, 1 by Carolyn22

Carolyn22 wrote:
Callas are not difficult to grow. I think the name 'calla lily' implies a lot of exotic ideas and thus the ideas that they are difficult to grow.

When you lifted your calla bulbs how did they look? Bulbs should be firm to the touch and dry with no wet spots and not squishy or any areas that look moldy. I typically lift mine in the fall and check the bulbs. Healthy bulbs get put into brown paper bags and are stored in a cool dry place until Spring. Unhealthy bulbs get tossed as you do not want to spread any disease.

Callas do need a period of dormancy in order to flower. How long were your bulbs sitting in the pot without the water?

When planting your callas, make sure you have them in a light potting soil with plenty of drainage - I tend mix in some perlite so there is plenty of aeration in the soil and plenty of drainage. Place the pot in a bright sunny area.

I typically wait to plant mine until they can go outside - Mayish. My sister typically brings her's out in February and grows them inside. (we are both in zone 5 although different areas of the country). So, either growing them outside or inside is achievable.

In our zone - I am assuming you are about a 5 or 6, callas will do better in pots. The ground does not warm up fast enough for the callas to flower before it is time to think about lifting them. I am sure there are those that have been able to get theirs to flower in ground, but this is what has worked best for me over the years.

One thing I should caution you on is they do not like to be overwatered - this will rot the bulbs and they do rot easily. I allow mine to dry out before watering.

Let us know how you do with them -

Oh - one other thing - check the mercy shelves at Lowes. You will always find pots full of these bulbs after they have finished flowering on these shelves for a fraction of the cost.