How to Grow Zantedeschia?
ZANTEDESCHIA PLANTING GUIDE
Growing Zantedeschia aethiopica, the Giant White Calla Lily, is a rewarding experience as it offers beautiful, trumpet-shaped white flowers and attractive arrow-shaped leaves. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to grow Zantedeschia aethiopica:
Choose a Suitable Location: Calla Lilies thrive in full sunlight to partial shade. Select a spot in your garden that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The soil should be well-draining to prevent waterlogging, as these plants prefer moist but not soggy conditions.
Planting Time: In zones 8-10, you can plant the Calla Lily outdoors as a perennial in the fall, but make sure to mulch to protect the rhizomes during winter. In colder zones (3-7), treat the plant as an annual or dig up the rhizomes before the first frost to store them for winter.
Preparing the Soil: Prior to planting, amend the soil with organic matter like compost to improve its fertility and drainage. Remove any rocks or debris from the planting area.
Planting the Rhizomes: Place the rhizomes about 4 inches deep in the soil, spaced approximately 1 foot apart. The rhizomes should be positioned with the eyes (buds) facing upwards.
Watering: After planting, water the rhizomes thoroughly to help them establish roots. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the growing season. In hot weather, Calla Lilies may require more frequent watering.
Fertilization: Calla Lilies benefit from regular feeding during the growing season. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer or a slow-release granular fertilizer, following the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid over-fertilization, as it may lead to excessive foliage growth and fewer flowers.
Potted Plant Care: If you're growing Calla Lilies in pots, ensure the containers have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Plant the rhizomes about 2 inches deep in a well-draining potting mix. Water regularly but allow the soil to dry slightly between watering. Place the pots in a sunny location.
Deadheading and Pruning: As the flowers fade, remove them by cutting the stem close to the base. This process, known as deadheading, encourages the plant to produce more flowers. After the growing season, if the foliage has turned yellow or brown, cut it back to the ground, allowing the plant to enter its dormancy period.
Winter Care in Colder Zones: In zones 3-7, dig up the rhizomes before the first frost. Clean off excess soil and store the rhizomes in a vented bag filled with peat moss or sphagnum moss. Keep the bag in a cool (around 60°F), dark, and dry location until the following spring when you can replant them outdoors.
By following these steps and providing proper care, you can enjoy the elegant beauty of Zantedeschia aethiopica in your garden or as a lovely potted plant, depending on your climate and gardening preferences.
