If you’ve brought calla lilies into your garden or home, you’re probably wondering how long do calla lilies bloom. The blooming season length for these elegant flowers can vary, but with the right care, you can enjoy their classic beauty for a good part of the year. This guide will walk you through everything that affects their flowering time, from variety to climate.
Understanding their bloom cycle is key to getting the most from your plants. Let’s look at what you can expect and how to extend the show.
How Long Do Calla Lilies Bloom
On average, a well-tended calla lily plant will produce flowers for about 6 to 12 weeks during its peak season. Each individual flower spike, or spathe, can last up to two weeks on the plant. Since the plant typically produces multiple flowers in succession, the overall display is quite long-lasting.
For gardeners in most regions, the main bloom period is early to midsummer. However, this timeline isn’t set in stone. Several factors directly influence how long your calla lilies will put on their show.
Key Factors That Affect Blooming Season Length
Not all calla lilies are created equal. Their performance depends on a few crucial elements you can control.
- Type of Calla Lily: Common white calla lilies (Zantedeschia aethiopica) are often more robust and may have a slightly longer bloom time in ideal conditions. Colorful hybrid calla lilies (Zantedeschia rehmannii) have a spectacular but sometimes shorter display.
- Climate and Growing Zone: This is a huge factor. In warm, frost-free climates (zones 8-10), calla lilies can be perennial and bloom for months, sometimes even re-blooming. In cooler zones, they are grown as annuals or lifted for winter, giving them a shorter single season.
- Sunlight Exposure: Calla lilies need plenty of light to bloom well. Aim for at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. In very hot climates, afternoon shade can prevent scorching and help blooms last longer.
- Watering and Feeding: Consistent moisture during growth and bloom is essential. A lack of water will shorten bloom time. Similarly, a balanced fertilizer used monthly during the growing season supports continuous flowering.
The Typical Calla Lily Bloom Cycle Through the Year
Following the natural rhythm of the plant helps you anticipate what’s coming next. Here’s a general yearly timeline for calla lilies grown as perennials.
- Spring (Growth Resumes): Foliage emerges from the rhizomes. This is the time to start regular watering and feeding.
- Late Spring to Early Summer (Bloom Begins): Flower stalks shoot up from the center of the leaves. The first elegant spathes unfurl.
- Summer (Peak Bloom): This is the main event, lasting those 6-12 weeks. New flowers appear as older ones fade.
- Late Summer to Fall (Bloom Ends & Energy Storage): Flowering slows and stops. The plant focuses energy back into the rhizome for next year. Leaves may begin to yellow.
- Winter (Dormancy): In cooler zones, the plant dies back. In warm zones, it may remain evergreen or semi-dormant.
How to Maximize and Extend the Bloom Time
You can actively help your calla lilies bloom longer and more profusely. It’s all about good gardening practices.
1. Perfect Your Planting Technique
Start things off right. Plant rhizomes in spring after the danger of frost has passed. Place them about 3-4 inches deep and 12 inches apart in well-draining soil. Good spacing ensures good air circulation, which prevents disease that can cut blooms short.
2. Master Watering and Fertilizing
Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy during the growing and blooming season. Reduce watering after blooms fade. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (like a 10-10-10) every 4-6 weeks from spring until the end of bloom.
3. Practice Deadheading Faithfully
This is the single most effective task for extending bloom. As each flower fades and starts to wilt, cut it off at the base of the stem. This prevents the plant from putting energy into seed production and encourages it to send up new flower stalks instead.
4. Ensure Proper Overwintering
In zones 7 and below, you must dig up the rhizomes after the first frost in fall. Store them in a cool, dry place over winter. Healthy, well-preserved rhizomes will produce stronger plants with better blooms the following year. Neglecting this step in cold climates means starting from scratch each year.
Common Reasons for Short or No Blooms
Sometimes, calla lilies don’t bloom as expected. If your blooming season length is disappointing, check these common issues.
- Too Little Sun: They might grow leaves in shade, but blooms will be sparse or absent.
- Overcrowded Rhizomes: After a few years, clumps get too dense. Divide them in late winter or early spring to rejuvenate.
- Nitrogen Overload: Using a high-nitrogen fertilizer promotes leaves at the expense of flowers. Switch to a balanced or bloom-booster formula.
- Insufficient Dormancy: Potted calla lilies kept indoors need a rest period. Reduce watering for 2-3 months in fall/winter to simulate dormancy.
- Young Plants: First-year plants grown from small rhizomes might focus on root growth and bloom lightly. They typically perform better in their second year.
Growing Calla Lilies in Pots for Continuous Bloom
Container growing offers unique control, which can influence how long do calla lilies bloom. You can move pots to optimize light and shelter them from bad weather.
- Choose a pot at least 10-12 inches in diameter with drainage holes.
- Use a high-quality potting mix. You can mix in a slow-release fertilizer at planting time.
- Water potted calla lilies more frequently, as containers dry out faster. Check the soil daily in hot weather.
- For a longer display, you can stagger planting a few rhizomes every couple weeks in spring. This will create a succession of blooms.
FAQ: Your Calla Lily Bloom Questions Answered
Q: Can I get my calla lily to bloom more than once a year?
A: In perfect, warm conditions, some calla lilies, especially the white varieties, may produce a second, smaller flush of blooms in early fall. Consistent care after the first bloom ends is key.
Q: How long do cut calla lily flowers last in a vase?
A: Cut calla lilies make excellent cut flowers and can last 7 to 14 days in a vase. Cut them early in the morning, use a floral preservative, and recut the stems every few days.
Q: Do calla lilies bloom all summer?
A: They often bloom through the heart of summer, but its rare for them to bloom non-stop from June to August. Their peak is usually a solid 6-8 weeks, often from late June into August.
Q: Why are my calla lily flowers turning green?
A: This is usually natural. As the flower ages, the spathe often turns green. It can also happen if the plant gets too much shade. It’s not typically a sign of disease.
Q: What is the typical calla lily blooming season?
A> For most gardeners, the primary blooming season is from early summer to midsummer. In warmer zones, it can start in late spring and extend into late summer.
By paying attention to their needs—plenty of sun, consistent moisture, timely feeding, and proper winter care—you can significantly influence how long do calla lilies bloom. Their blooming season length is a direct reflection of the care they receive. With these tips, you’re well on your way to enjoying their graceful flowers for the longest time possible each year. Remember, a little attentiveness goes a long way in the garden.