Since Calla Lilies originally hail from sunny South Africa, they aren’t exactly fans of our chilly winters. If you want these beauties to bounce back next year, you’ve got to give them a little TLC before the frost hits. Depending on how you grow them, you can either overwinter them as dormant bulbs (rhizomes) or keep them in their pots.
Overwintering Garden Callas as Bulbs
If your Callas are planted in the ground, you’ll want to dig them up around late September or early October at the latest. Gently shake off any excess soil and trim away any yellowing leaves. The key here is to let the bulbs dry out completely before tucking them away for the season. A cool basement is usually the perfect spot—aim for a consistent temperature around 50°F (10°C).
Step-by-Step Guide for Bulbs:
- Dig them up in the fall
- Shake off the dirt
- Trim off yellow leaves
- Let them dry out thoroughly
- Store bulbs in a cool basement
- Replant in the spring
Pro Tip: Don’t Rush the Spring Planting!
Before you move your Callas back outside, make sure the soil has warmed up to at least 50°F. Even if a variety is labeled “hardy,” a late frost can seriously damage the plant or ruin your chances of seeing those gorgeous blooms. It’s always better to play it safe and wait until the ground is nice and warm before replanting.
Overwintering Potted Indoor Callas
If you have an evergreen Calla in a pot, you can keep it right in its container. Find a spot that’s bright but cool—again, about 50°F is the sweet spot. A bright hallway, a sunroom, or a cool entryway works great, just make sure they aren’t sitting in a draft. During this “nap” phase, you don’t need to water or fertilize at all. In fact, you should let the soil dry out completely.
Waking Them Up for Spring
Just like us, potted Callas need a little time to wake up. Around January, you can start moving your indoor Calla to a warmer windowsill. Before you do, give it a fresh start by repotting it with new soil. Start watering lightly and add a little fertilizer every two weeks. You’ll see new shoots popping up in no time! Once it starts growing again, just make sure to keep the soil consistently moist.
