Calla Lilies

Question

This might be a long question. I am having a wedding in September and I want to grow the Callas for the wedding in pots inside my house. I live in a warmer climate and will be using Picasso, Bridal Bliss and Black Forest Variety. I hear there’s some difference in how they should be grown whether aired and cooler or damp and hot so, my question is when should I plant them to get the beautiful flowers I desire from them in September and how do I grow the various types to get the best and fullest bloom possible? I will be transplanting them after the wedding to be in my garden. . . Thank you

Answer 1

ppar73, book your calla blooms with your favorite florist. I did the flowers for a young lady very dear to my heart. I grow calla’s, on a small scale, as cut flowers to be used in floral design. The best advice I could give her was to forget growing them for her own wedding, there were/are TOO MANY VARIABLES involved. I told her that she’d have to plant many, many more times the bulbs than what she wanted as stems. Weather, pests, fertilization and moisture cannot be easily controlled when planted outside, and unless greenhouse grown, calla’s won’t get enough light inside to bloom nicely. Besides, the bulbs are almost as expensive as the blooms, and there is no guarantee bulbs will bloom the first year they are planted. While I completely understand your desire to grow the flowers for your wedding, try to be practical. By booking through a professional florist 6-8 weeks in advance, you will avoid a lot of unnecessary stress, and heaven knows that bride’s have too much stress without adding more! Best wishes