Calla lilies are stunning ornamental plants that can add elegance and tropical flair to any garden With their large, showy blooms and smooth, green leaves, callas make excellent focal points in flower beds and borders However, over time calla lily clumps can become overcrowded, leading to reduced flowering and vigor. Knowing when to separate and divide your calla lilies is key to keeping them thriving for years to come.
Signs It’s Time to Separate Your Calla Lilies
Callas are rhizomatous plants, meaning they spread via underground stems called rhizomes As the rhizomes grow and creep outward, the calla clump expands and often becomes crowded after a few years Here are some signs that it’s time to divide your calla lilies
- Smaller blooms than previous years
- Fewer flowers than normal
- Foliage appears stunted or yellowed
- The center of the clump is bare and dead
- You see signs of disease or pests
- The clump looks overgrown and tangled
If your calla lilies are exhibiting any of these symptoms, it’s likely time to separate and replant them in a new location. Dividing overcrowded calla rhizomes will rejuvenate the plants, stimulate new growth, and result in larger, healthier flowers.
When to Separate Calla Lily Rhizomes
Callas can be divided either in early spring or in fall after the plants become dormant. However, fall is generally considered the best time for dividing calla lilies. Here’s why
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In fall, the plants have finished blooming and are entering dormancy, putting less stress on the rhizomes.
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Dividing in fall gives the newly separated rhizomes time to establish roots before the active growing season begins in spring.
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Spring-divided rhizomes may not become fully established before summer heat hits, while fall-divided bulbs experience cooler temperatures as they regrow roots.
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There is less chance of damaging tender new growth in the fall.
The optimal fall dividing window is typically late September through October. However, you can divide earlier or later as needed, depending on your climate and the plant’s condition.
How to Separate and Replant Calla Lily Rhizomes
Dividing calla lily rhizomes is a straightforward process. Follow these steps:
Gather Supplies
You’ll need a garden fork, knife or shears, garden soil or potting mix, pots or trays (optional), and rooting hormone powder (optional).
Dig Up the Rhizomes
Carefully dig up the entire calla clump using a garden fork. Try to keep the rhizomes intact. Gently shake or hose off excess soil.
Divide the Rhizomes
Separate the rhizomes by hand, pulling or twisting apart, or use a sharp knife/shears to cut them apart. Each division should have roots and a growth point. Discard any diseased or pest-damaged rhizomes.
Prepare New Planting Site
Choose a site with organically rich, well-draining soil. Space divisions 12-18 inches apart. Amend soil with compost if needed.
Replant Divisions
Place divisions in planting holes at the same depth they grew originally. Firm the soil around roots and water thoroughly.
Provide Aftercare
Continue watering until established. Mulch to retain moisture. Stake tall-growing varieties if needed. Apply balanced fertilizer when new growth emerges in spring.
Dividing congested calla rhizomes revitalizes the plants, prevents overcrowding, and allows the lilies to put energy into lush growth and abundant blooms instead of excessive lateral spread. Separate your callas every 2-3 years for optimal health and performance. With proper division, your calla lily collection will flourish for many years to come!
FAQ About Dividing Calla Lilies
How often should you divide calla lilies?
Ideally, divide calla lilies every 2-3 years. Dividing more frequently can stress the plants.
Can you divide calla lilies in the spring?
Yes, you can divide calla lily rhizomes in early spring after the threat of frost has passed. However, fall is better to give divisions more time to establish before summer.
What do you do with calla lily bulbs after they bloom?
After calla lilies finish blooming, let the foliage die back naturally. In fall, dig up the clump, divide the rhizomes, and replant in a new location for future growing seasons.
How do I know if my calla lily needs to be divided?
Signs that calla lilies need dividing include reduced flowering, smaller blooms, crowded clumps with dead centers, and lackluster foliage growth.
Do calla lilies multiply on their own?
Yes! Calla lilies readily spread via underground rhizome growth. The clumps will naturally expand and multiply, eventually becoming overcrowded after several years.
Can you grow new calla lilies from rhizome divisions?
Absolutely! Each rhizome division containing roots and a growth eye can be replanted to grow into a brand new calla lily plant. Dividing promotes propagation.
What is the best way to divide a calla lily bulb?
The ideal method is to dig up the entire clump in fall, gently wash off soil, and carefully pull or cut apart rhizomes by hand into smaller sections before replanting.
Conclusion
Dividing overgrown calla lily rhizomes every few years is crucial to maintain the plants’ vigor, blooming performance, and overall health. Keep an eye out for signs of congestion like reduced flowers or yellowing leaves. Fall is the best season for division, but early spring also works. With proper separation and aftercare, your calla lily collection will continue thriving for seasons to come!
Should You Divide Calla Lilies?
How often should you divide calla lilies? Calla lily division is only necessary when the clumps start to decline, but if you want more rhizomes to fill in the garden, its safe to divide them every three to five years. If you divide them too often, however, they will never quite reach their full potential.
Your Guide to Planning, Planting, and Growing Calla Lilies
Calla lilies are easy to grow and add a classy look to perennial gardens, cutting gardens and container plantings. The distinctive flowers come in many beautiful colors, including classic white (a favorite for weddings), yellow, orange, pink, rose, lavender and dark maroon.
The plants have smooth, sword-like foliage thats often decorated with white freckles. Calla lily foliage looks neat and attractive all season long, both before and after the flowers bloom. Whether in the garden or in a vase, fresh calla lilies are always impressive.