Growing Calla Lilies: A Complete Guide to Seeds vs Bulbs

Hey there fellow garden enthusiasts! I’ve been growing calla lilies for over 10 years now, and let me tell you – these elegant flowers never fail to amaze me Today, I’m super excited to share everything I know about growing calla lilies, whether you’re starting from seeds or bulbs

Quick Overview

Calla lilies (Zantedeschia) can be grown from both seeds and bulb-like rhizomes. While bulbs give quicker results, growing from seeds can be a rewarding (though longer) journey. Let me break down both methods for you!

Starting from Seeds: The Patient Gardener’s Route

Collecting and Preparing Seeds

I’ve found that harvesting calla lily seeds is quite an interesting process

• Wait for seed pods to mature fully – they’ll turn yellow and get mushy
• Each pod can give you 50+ seeds (I once got nearly 100 from a single pod!)
• Clean the seeds by removing the jelly-like coating
• Pre-treat seeds by wrapping them in damp paper towels
• Store in fridge for 4-6 weeks (this mimics winter conditions)

Planting the Seeds

Here’s my tried-and-true method:

1. Use high-quality seed starting mix
2. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep
3. Plant 2 seeds per pot
4. Keep soil consistently moist
5. Maintain temperature between 70-80°F
6. Remove weaker seedling once sprouted

Timeline Expectations

Just keeping it real here – growing from seeds takes patience

• Germination: 1-4 weeks
• First leaves: 2-3 weeks after sprouting
• Flowering: 2-3 years

Growing from Bulbs: The Quick Route

Planting Bulbs

This is my preferred method for quick results:

• Plant in spring after frost danger passes
• Dig holes 4-6 inches deep
• Space bulbs 8-12 inches apart
• Point growing tip upward
• Cover with rich, well-draining soil

Care Tips

To keep your calla lilies happy:

• Water regularly (1-2 inches per week)
• Feed with balanced fertilizer monthly
• Mulch to retain moisture
• Protect from strong winds
• Provide partial shade in hot climates

Comparison Table: Seeds vs Bulbs

Growing Zones and Climate Considerations

Calla lilies thrive in:

• USDA zones 7-10
• Warm, humid conditions
• Protected locations
• Well-draining soil
• Partial shade

Common Problems and Solutions

I’ve faced these issues and here’s how I dealt with them:

For Seeds:

• Low germination – Use fresh seeds
• Damping off – Improve air circulation
• Weak seedlings – Provide more light

For Bulbs:

• Rot – Reduce watering
• No blooms – Check planting depth
• Yellowing leaves – Adjust fertilizer

Winter Care

In cold regions (like where I am):

• Dig up bulbs after first frost
• Clean off soil
• Let dry for 1-2 weeks
• Store in peat moss at 45-50°F
• Replant in spring

My Personal Tips

After years of growing these beauties, here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Don’t overwater newly planted bulbs
2. Mark seed-grown plants with labels
3. Keep detailed records of varieties
4. Share extra seeds with gardening friends
5. Experiment with different colors

Whether you choose seeds or bulbs, growing calla lilies is totally worth it! Seeds take longer but give you more plants for less money. Bulbs are perfect if you want flowers this season. I personally love doing both – bulbs for immediate gratification and seeds for the fun of watching them grow from scratch!

Remember, gardening’s all about patience and learning from experience. Don’t get discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect – mine sure wasn’t! Keep trying, and before you know it, you’ll have gorgeous calla lilies brightening up your garden.

Happy growing!

Guide Information