calla lillies

Question

what is the best way to store the bulbs over the winter? I kept mine in sawdust, they are growing and look healthy but no flowers. Thanks

Answer 1

I dig up my calla lily before frost hits. Remove the foliage as close as you can to the tuber (use a knife); clip the roots short; and gently brush off any soil. Cut out any soft spots or off-colored areas. It should air out of the sun for 5 days before going into storage. Sawdust, peat moss or vermiculite all work for storing bulbs as long as the container is cardboard. I wrap mine in newspaper, put them into a mesh bag similar to what 5 pounds of fruit come in and hang it up in a cool, dark place. In spring after the soil has warmed to 15C, prepare your planting area. Dig in several inches of sphagnum peat moss and compost and an appropriate amount of long-acting fertilizer. Calla lilies must have lots of sun and consistently moist soil to bloom freely. Make sure other growing plants aren’t shading your calla. Long-acting fertilizer often doesn’t last through the growing season. If growth seems to slow (or blooms stop) switch to liquid fertilizer in July/August. Here are articles with more tips. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/calla-lily/growing-calla-lilies-and-care-of-calla-lilies.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/bgen/preparing-bulbs-for-winter-how-to-store-bulbs-for-winter.htm