For plant lovers, there’s nothing quite like the elegant bloom of a Calla Lily. It’s no surprise that one of the most common questions I get is: “When exactly do Calla Lilies bloom?” After all, if you’re a fan of these “beauties”—as they’re known in gardening circles—you’ll want to enjoy those stunning flowers for as long as possible!
When Do Calla Lilies Bloom?
The short answer is: it depends! The timing of those blooms depends on the specific variety you have, where you’ve planted it, and how you’re caring for it. Generally speaking, you can expect flowers during these windows:
- Starting in January for indoor Calla Lilies kept in a sunny window.
- Starting in May for summer-blooming varieties.
- Starting in June or July for Callas planted directly in your garden beds.
Pro tip: If you want to enjoy Calla blooms for the better part of the year, try keeping a mix of indoor and outdoor varieties. With a little planning, you can have these gorgeous flowers brightening up your home and garden for nine months out of the year!
The Spring-Blooming Calla
If you’re growing your Calla Lily as a houseplant, you’ll often see the first blooms as early as January. This is especially true if you’ve found the perfect spot for it—somewhere bright but not scorching hot, and away from any chilly drafts. Under the right conditions, these indoor beauties can keep flowering right through April or even May. Once the indoor blooming season wraps up, I like to move my potted Callas outside to the patio or balcony for the summer until it’s time for their fall nap.
The Summer-Blooming Calla
Some Calla varieties are a bit more patient and wait for the warmer weather to show off. These typically start blooming in May and can keep going all the way through August. Once your late-bloomer stops producing new flowers, it’s time to prep it for its winter dormancy. A cool spot like a bright stairwell or a temperate basement is perfect for this.
Don’t Forget the Rest Period!
If you want a spectacular show next season, you have to let your Calla Lily rest. They need a “dormancy period” of at least ten weeks to recharge. When it’s time for winter storage, move your plant to a cool location. The most important thing to remember? Stop watering and stop fertilizing completely during this time. It might feel wrong, but trust me—that rest is exactly what they need to come back stronger than ever!
