If your calla lilies are looking crowded or you simply want to move them to a better spot, knowing how to transplant calla lilies is a key skill. This simple step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process, from timing to aftercare, ensuring your beautiful plants thrive in their new location.
Transplanting, or dividing, calla lilies serves a few important purposes. It rejuvenates overgrown clumps that may have stopped flowering as well. It also helps control their spread and is the perfect way to share these stunning plants with friends. With the right approach, it’s a straightforward task that pays off with healthier growth and more blooms.
How to Transplant Calla Lilies
Before you grab your shovel, it’s crucial to pick the right time. The best moment for transplanting is when the plant is dormant. For most gardeners, this means in the fall after the foliage has died back, or in early spring before new growth emerges. If you live in a colder climate, spring planting is often safer to avoid frost damage to newly disturbed rhizomes.
Choosing the new location is just as important. Calla lilies love full sun to partial shade. They prefer rich, moist, but well-draining soil. Avoid areas where water tends to pool, as this can lead to rot.
What You’ll Need
- A garden shovel or spade
- A garden fork (helpful for loosening soil)
- Sharp, clean knife or pruning shears
- Gardening gloves
- Watering can or hose
- Compost or well-rotted manure
- Mulch (like bark chips or straw)
Step 1: Prepare the New Planting Site
Start by getting the new home ready. This minimizes the time the rhizomes spend out of the ground. Dig a hole that’s about 4 to 6 inches deep. If you’re planting multiple rhizomes, space the holes about 12 to 18 inches apart. Mix some compost into the soil you removed to boost nutrients. This gives the plants a great head start.
Step 2: Carefully Dig Up the Existing Clump
Using your shovel, dig a wide circle around the calla lily clump. Stay about 6 inches away from the base to avoid cutting into the rhizomes. Gently lift the entire clump out of the ground. Shake off excess soil so you can see the rhizome structure clearly. You might need to use your hands to brush more soil away.
Step 3: Divide the Rhizomes
This is the key step for propagation. Look for the thick, bulb-like rhizomes. Each viable division needs at least one growth eye or bud—these look like little bumps or protrusions. Using your clean knife, cut the rhizomes apart. Discard any sections that are soft, mushy, or look diseased. Its a good idea to let the cut surfaces dry for a few hours before replanting; this helps prevent rot.
Step 4: Plant the Divisions
Place each rhizome in its prepared hole with the growth eyes facing upward. Cover them with 3 to 4 inches of soil. Don’t plant them to deep, as this can hinder flowering. Gently firm the soil around each one with your hands to remove air pockets.
Step 5: Water and Mulch Thoroughly
Give your newly planted calla lilies a generous drink of water. This settles the soil around the rhizomes. Then, apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the plants. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppresses weeds, and regulates soil temperature. Keep the mulch a little away from the direct stems to allow for air circulation.
Aftercare for Transplanted Calla Lilies
Consistent moisture is vital, especially in the first few weeks after transplanting. Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. If you transplanted in the spring, you should see new shoots appear within a few weeks. For fall transplants, they will remain dormant until the weather warms up.
Hold off on fertilizing until you see active growth. Then, you can use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer to support them. In colder regions, a thicker layer of winter mulch applied after the ground freezes can protect fall-planted rhizomes.
Common Problems and Solutions
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, issues can arise. Here’s what to watch for:
- No New Growth: This could be due to planting too deep, underwatering, or a division that lacked a healthy growth eye. Patience is key, but if nothing appears in a few months, you may need to check the rhizome.
- Yellowing Leaves: Often a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure the soil drains well and adjust your watering schedule.
- Transplant Shock: Wilting or drooping can occur. Provide adequate water and shade from intense afternoon sun for the first week or two to help the plant recover.
Transplanting Potted Calla Lilies
The process for potted calla lilies is similar. Choose a new container that is at least 2 inches wider and has excellent drainage holes. Use a fresh, high-quality potting mix. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, tease apart the rhizomes if needed, and replant at the same depth it was growing before. Water it well and place it in a sheltered spot for a few days to adjust.
Remember, calla lilies grown in containers may need dividing more often—typically every couple of years. They can become root-bound quite quickly, which effects their flowering.
FAQ
When is the best time to move calla lilies?
The ideal time is during dormancy: late fall after foliage dies back or early spring before growth starts.
Can you transplant calla lilies in the summer?
It’s not recommended. Transplanting during active growth and blooming puts significant stress on the plant and can interrupt flowering.
How deep should you plant calla lily rhizomes?
Plant them about 3 to 4 inches deep with the growth eyes pointing up. This depth provides stability and encourages proper sprouting.
Why are my transplanted calla lilies not flowering?
This can happen if they were planted to deep, don’t get enough sunlight, or need more time to establish their root system. Ensure they have at least partial sun and wait until the next growing season for blooms.
How often should calla lilies be divided?
Every 3 to 4 years is a good rule. You’ll know it’s time when the clump looks very crowded and flower production decreases.
With these steps, transplanting your calla lilies should be a succesful project. Taking care to time it right, handle the rhizomes gently, and provide good aftercare will give your plants the best chance to flourish. Soon enough, you’ll be enjoying their elegant blooms in a new part of your garden.