Growing Zantedeschia Outdoors (Calla Lily): Elegant Blooms for Gardens and Containers

Overview

Zantedeschia (pronounced zan-teh-des'-kee-ah), commonly called calla lily, produces elegant, trumpet-shaped blooms.

Planting

• Timing: After danger of frost has passed.
• Light: Full sun or partial shade (partial shade required in the South and warm inland West unless soil is constantly wet).
• Soil: Rich, moist soil.
• Depth: Plant rhizomes horizontally with growing points up. In containers, plant 3 inches deep (3 per 12-inch pot).

Hardiness and Overwintering

• Hardy to Zone 9 (20°F).
• In Zone 8 (10°F) and Zone 7 (0°F), an ample layer of fall mulch may allow survival.
• In colder climates, dig rhizomes when frost threatens. Store indoors in dry peat moss or sand at 60–75°F.
• Container-grown callas can remain in pots over winter. Bring indoors in fall, withhold water completely until spring growth is desired.

Additional Resources

For information on planting and care of annuals, see our guide on growing annuals.