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Few flowers have the elegance and simplicity of the calla lily. While not a true lily, callas are an integral part of weddings and funerals alike, their classic flowers representing love and devotion. Callas can get waist high and need plenty of water and a high phosphorus fertilizer. Fertilizing calla lily plants not only enhances overall health but promotes more and bigger blooms. Calla lily fertilization should also be done at planting.
Calla lilies are elegant flowers that add grace and beauty to any garden. With their striking blooms and lush green leaves, these plants make a stunning addition. However, to get the most out of your calla lilies, proper care and feeding is essential. In this complete guide, we’ll explore the best fertilizer options for calla lilies to help you achieve vibrant, healthy plants and abundant blooms.
Before diving into fertilizers, let’s start with a quick overview of calla lilies. Calla lilies (Zantedeschia species) are not true lilies but rather a separate plant species in the Araceae family. There are over a dozen species with Zantedeschia aethiopica being the most commonly grown calla lily. These perennial plants are native to southern Africa and thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11.
Calla lilies grow from rhizomes, producing large green leaves on long stalks. Their distinctive flowers come in a range of colors like white, yellow, pink, purple, and orange. Blooms appear in late spring or early summer on erect stalks. Calla lilies work wonderfully as cut flowers and also make stunning container plants.
Key Nutrients Calla Lilies Need
To fuel growth and flowering, calla lilies need a balanced supply of essential nutrients. Here are the key macronutrients and micronutrients these plants require
- Nitrogen – Promotes lush, green foliage growth
- Phosphorus – Aids in root development and flower blooming
- Potassium – Enhances overall plant vigor and disease resistance
- Calcium – Strengthens cell walls and improves nutrient uptake
- Magnesium – Essential for photosynthesis and chlorophyll production
- Iron – Facilitates enzyme functions and prevents chlorosis
- Manganese – Aids in photosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism
- Zinc – Plays a role in enzyme and carbohydrate production
Without adequate levels of these nutrients calla lilies may struggle with stunted growth poor flowering, and increased susceptibility to diseases.
What is the Ideal NPK Ratio for Calla Lilies?
NPK stands for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium – the three macronutrients that plants need in relatively large amounts. The ideal NPK ratio provides the right balance of these nutrients to meet the needs of calla lilies.
Most calla lily experts recommend an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 5-10-10. This supplies sufficient nitrogen for leaf growth, extra phosphorus for prolific flowering, and adequate potassium for overall vigor.
A balanced NPK ratio is preferable over “bloom booster” formulas with skewed amounts of phosphorus. Too much phosphorus can inhibit root growth and leave plants deficient in nitrogen and potassium.
Organic vs Synthetic Fertilizer – Which is Better?
You can feed calla lilies using either organic or synthetic fertilizers. Let’s compare the pros and cons of each:
Organic fertilizers like compost, manure, bone meal, and blood meal release nutrients slowly over an extended period. This gradual nutrient release better matches the needs of plants. Organics also improve soil structure and microbial activity. However, nutrient levels are lower compared to synthetics.
Synthetic fertilizers contain immediately soluble nutrients that are rapidly available to plants. They offer precise NPK ratios and higher nutrient concentrations. However, synthetic fertilizers do not contribute to soil health like organics. Overuse can burn plants or leach from soil.
For best results, use a combination of organic and synthetic fertilizer. Organics establish a healthy soil environment while synthetics provide an extra nutrient boost.
10 Best Fertilizers for Calla Lilies
With many fertilizer options on the market, it can be tricky to select the right products for your calla lilies. Based on quality, nutrient balance, and gardener reviews, here are 10 of the best fertilizers for vibrant calla lilies:
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Espoma Organic Bulb-Tone – Granular organic fertilizer with an NPK of 3-5-3 specially formulated for bulbs and flowering plants.
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Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Bloom Booster – Liquid synthetic fertilizer with an NPK of 15-30-15, high in phosphorus to promote blooms.
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Jobe’s Organics Bulb Fertilizer – Granular organic fertilizer with bone meal and an NPK of 3-5-3 for bulbs and flowers.
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FoxFarm Happy Frog Fruit & Flower Fertilizer – Granular organic fertilizer with an NPK of 4-8-4 plus added beneficial microbes.
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Dr. Earth Flower Girl Bud & Bloom Booster – Organic granular fertilizer with an NPK of 3-9-4 and 11 strains of probiotics.
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Neptune’s Harvest Organic Bulb Food – Liquid organic fertilizer with fish and seaweed and an NPK of 2-3-1.
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Down To Earth Bulb Food – Granular organic fertilizer with an NPK of 6-10-4 specially formulated for bulbs and flowers.
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Osmocote Smart-Release Flower & Vegetable Plant Food – Granular synthetic fertilizer with an NPK of 15-9-12 that provides nutrients for up to 6 months.
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Miracle-Gro Shake ‘N Feed Rose & Bloom Plant Food – Granular synthetic fertilizer with an NPK of 10-18-9 that feeds for up to 3 months.
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Bonide Rose Food – Granular synthetic fertilizer with an NPK of 10-40-10 extra high in phosphorus to maximize blooms.
Look for options with more balanced NPK ratios around 10-10-10 rather than bloom boosters with skewed phosphorus levels. Organic or synthetic both work, so choose based on your preferences.
When and How Often to Fertilize Calla Lilies
Proper fertilizer timing and frequency ensures calla lilies get nutrients when they need them most. Follow these guidelines:
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Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the active growing season before buds appear.
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Stop fertilizing once buds form since excess nutrients can inhibit flowering.
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Resume fertilizing after blooms fade to nourish plants for next year’s growth.
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Slow-release fertilizers only need reapplication every 2-3 months.
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Liquid fertilizers can be applied more frequently, even weekly if needed.
Pay attention to product labels for reapplication intervals based on the fertilizer type. Excessive fertilizer can burn roots, so more isn’t necessarily better.
How to Properly Apply Fertilizer to Calla Lilies
With the right products selected, next comes proper application for optimal nutrient absorption:
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For granular fertilizers, scatter evenly around the base of plants and gently water in. Never pile directly on bulbs or rhizomes.
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When using liquid fertilizers, always dilute to the recommended strength before applying. Use a watering can to distribute evenly around plants.
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Apply foliar sprays like fish emulsion early in the morning or late afternoon when leaves are dry to prevent leaf burn.
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Slow-release spikes can be inserted 6-8 inches into the soil around plants and will continuously feed over time.
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After fertilizing, water thoroughly to dissolve nutrients and carry to plant roots for uptake.
Follow label instructions for correct product dosage rates. Overapplying can potentially burn roots and leaves.
Troubleshooting Signs Your Calla Lilies Need More Nutrients
Keep an eye on your calla lily plants for visual cues that they need a nutrient boost:
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Yellowing leaves – This chlorosis often signals nitrogen deficiency. Fertilize with a nitrogen-rich formula.
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Small flowers – Low phosphorus can result in reduced bloom size. Use a phosphorus-based bloom booster.
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Wilting – Drooping leaves may indicate lack of potassium. Fertilize with a potassium-rich formula.
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Leggy growth – Excess nitrogen leads to floppy, excess foliage. Cut back on nitrogen fertilizers.
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Poor root growth – Inadequate phosphorus impairs root development. Increase phosphorus levels.
By identifying specific deficiencies, you can tailor your fertilizer regimen to meet the needs of your calla lily plants.
Alternative Organic Fertilizer Options for Calla Lilies
If you prefer to go the fully organic route, look to these natural fertilizer alternatives:
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Compost and compost tea – Compost introduces a diversity of slow-release nutrients. Compost tea provides a quick nutrient boost.
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Worm castings – The excrement of worms is packed with nutrients and enhances soil quality.
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Manure – Composted manure from cows, horses, chickens, etc provides a variety of plant nutrients.
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Bone meal – Steamed, ground bones supply phosphorus and calcium.
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Blood meal – Dried, powdered animal blood is an excellent source of nitrogen.
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Fish emulsion – This concentrated fish extract is rich in nitrogen and micronutrients.
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Kelp meal – Dried and powdered seaweed offers over 60 nutrients beneficial for plants.
Rotate these organic amendments to provide a diverse range of essential nutrients for robust calla lily growth.
Key Takeaways on Fertilizing Calla Lilies
To recap, here are the key tips to remember when selecting and using fertilizers for calla lilies:
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Look for balanced NPK ratios around 10-10-10 or 5-10-10. Avoid bloom boosters with very high phosphorus.
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Organic and synthetic fertilizers both work well. Using both provides a nutritional boost plus long-term soil improvement.
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Fertilize regularly during the growing season, but avoid fertilizing once buds form.
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Apply at recommended rates and frequencies based on the fertilizer type to prevent plant damage.
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Address signs of nutrient deficiencies by selecting targeted fertilizers to meet specific plant needs.
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Consider organic alternatives like compost, manure, fish emulsion, etc for a natural feeding approach.
With the right fertilizer strategy, your calla lilies will flourish with lush foliage, vigorous growth, and an abundant display of their gorgeous blooms.
How to Fertilize Calla Lily Annually
In southern climates, calla tubers can remain in the ground and will produce foliage year-round. In northern climes, these tender tubers should be lifted and stored indoors in a cool, dry location until spring or all danger of frost has passed. Plants that remain in the soil benefit from mulch over their root zone. This will slowly compost into the soil, enriching it while it also conserves moisture. For an annual calla lily feeding, use an organic product or a time release blend. These deliver nutrients at a slow rate which the plant can easily uptake. You can also incorporate bone meal around the root zone to add phosphorus which enhances blooming. A high phosphorus formula may be used in spring for calla lily fertilization, but keep in mind this only delivers a high dose of one macro-nutrient and the plant will need a balanced feeding for overall health.
Calla Lily Feeding at Planting
Feeding calla lily plants at planting and again each spring can help promote huge blooms with more flower production. Avoid high nitrogen feeds that will encourage foliar development but reduces flowers. These South African natives are heavy water users and require plenty of the right kind of nutrients for maximum flowering and healthy growth. Some tips on how to fertilize calla lily will ensure beautiful flowers and erect, vigorous plants. Calla lilies grow from tubers. Just like bulbs and corms, these are underground storage organs that contain all the material the plant needs to produce leaves, stems, and flowers. The tubers need to be plump, free of blemishes, and injury. Inspect your tubers every year if you have to lift them and overwinter tubers indoors. When you are ready to plant them in spring, prepare a well-draining garden bed or plant them in a container with good potting mix. Incorporate well-rotted compost, bone meal, or cow manure into the soil to begin a gradual feeding process. You may also want to give the tuber a bi-weekly diluted fish emulsion to stimulate growth. Remember, feeding calla lily plants is only part of the equation. These are water lovers and must never be allowed to dry out.
Calla Lily Care Guide – Picking, Placing, and Parenting Your Plant
FAQ
Is Miracle-Gro good for calla lilies?
How do you keep calla lilies blooming all summer?
To encourage calla lilies to bloom continuously through the summer, provide them with consistent moisture, regular fertilization, and proper light and temperature conditions. Deadheading faded blooms, providing adequate sunlight (bright, indirect light indoors or 6+ hours of sunlight outdoors), and maintaining consistent moisture without overwatering are key practices.
What is the best feed for calla lilies?
In spring, feed calla lilies fortnightly with a high-nitrogen feed. Once they start to flower, switch to a high-potash feed such as tomato feed.Jun 1, 2020
Do calla lilies like coffee grounds?
Yes, calla lilies generally benefit from coffee grounds in the soil. Coffee grounds add acidity and nutrients, particularly nitrogen, which is beneficial for calla lily growth.