So, you might have picked up a Calla Lily bulb that the grower claims is hardy enough for winter, suggesting you can plant it in the fall and forget about it. But here’s the truth: in most cases, Callas simply won’t survive freezing outdoor temperatures. If you want to see those beautiful blooms again next year, you’ll need to take a few steps to get them ready for their winter nap.
How to Prep Your Garden Callas for Winter
Generally speaking, Calla Lilies are not fans of frost. To keep them safe, you’ll need to dig up the bulbs (technically rhizomes) before the ground freezes. I highly recommend using a garden fork for this; it’s much safer than a shovel because you’re less likely to accidentally slice through the roots or damage the bulb. Just insert the fork into the soil a few inches away from the base of the plant and gently pry the bulb upward.
Once you’ve got them out of the ground, trim off the foliage and brush away any excess dirt clinging to the bulb. It’s super important to let the bulbs dry out thoroughly before you move them into storage for the season.
The Best Way to Store Your Calla Bulbs
- Find a cool spot: A chilly room is the perfect home for your bulbs.
- Watch the temp: Aim for a room temperature around 50°F (10°C), and definitely no higher than 60°F (15°C).
- Keep it dark and dry: Light and moisture are not your friends during dormancy.
- Give them space: Don’t crowd the bulbs; lay them out so they aren’t touching.
- Be patient: Let your Calla bulbs rest in their winter quarters for at least two to three months.
A basement, a dry garden shed, or a garage are usually ideal spots. Just keep an eye on the humidity—you want the bulbs to stay dry while they sleep. A great pro-tip is to use wooden crates lined with newspaper. You can stack them up to save space, and the wood allows for great air circulation, which prevents mold from moving in. For an extra layer of protection, you can tuck the bulbs in with some dry peat moss or wood wool.
Moving Your Calla Bulbs Back Outside in Spring
Once the weather starts warming up and the threat of a night frost has passed, you can plant your bulbs back in the garden. Since we usually don’t see consistently frost-free nights until mid-May, I like to give mine a head start. Try planting your bulbs in pots indoors starting in March. This “wakes them up” early and helps shorten the time you have to wait for those first gorgeous flowers to appear!
