Summer Care for Calla Lilies on Long Island: Outdoor Placement and Overwintering

Give Your Calla Lilies a Summer Vacation

Once frost danger has passed (typically mid-May on Long Island), move your potted calla lilies outdoors. Start by placing them in shade for 7–10 days to acclimate, then transition to full sun.

Watering and Feeding

Containers dry out quickly in summer heat. Water daily during hot spells, keeping soil consistently moist but not soggy. Apply bone meal at the start of summer and again in midsummer to support vigorous growth and flowering.

When to Bring Them Back Inside

Before the first autumn frost (usually late October), bring pots indoors. Cut back foliage after it yellows, then store in a cool (40–50°F), dark location. Water sparingly — just enough to prevent the rhizomes from shriveling — until spring.

Key Takeaway

Outdoor summer exposure strengthens calla lilies, leading to better blooms next season. Proper acclimation, consistent moisture, and timely return indoors are essential for success in Zone 6/7 climates.