Calla lilies are stunning flowers that add elegance and beauty to any garden. Their distinctive flowers come in a range of gorgeous colors like classic white, yellow, orange, pink, lavender and deep maroon. The smooth, sword-shaped foliage looks neat and lovely all season.
When and how often you separate your calla lily plants can make a big difference in how well they grow and bloom Properly dividing calla lily rhizomes at the right time helps maintain vigor and promote better flowering
How Often to Divide Calla Lily Plants
Calla lilies only need dividing every 3-5 years. Separating them more often can prevent them from reaching full size Here are signs it’s time to divide calla lily rhizomes
- Declining growth and decreased flowering
- Overcrowded clumps with reduced vigor
- Blooms getting smaller over time
- Centers of clumps dying out
Dividing stimulates new growth and flowering by reducing competition between rhizomes. If your calla lilies are still growing well, leave them undisturbed.
When to Separate Calla Lily Rhizomes
You have two options for when to divide calla lily plants:
Spring
Divide calla lilies in early spring after danger of frost has passed. This works well for gardeners in warm climates where callas remain in the ground year-round. Wait until soil warms to 65°F before dividing.
Pros:
- Rhizomes can be replanted immediately
- Minimal stress or transplant shock
- Rapid return to growth and flowering
Cons:
- Earlier spring frost can damage freshly divided rhizomes
Late Summer/Fall
Divide calla lilies in late summer or early fall after flowering finishes. This allows time to cure rhizomes for winter storage.
Pros:
- Avoids damage from an early spring frost
- Good for gardeners in cooler climates where callas are dug up in winter
Cons:
- Requires curing and winter storage before replanting in spring
- Slower return to growth and flowering next season
Most gardeners prefer spring division to avoid transplanting stress. But late summer can work better if you need to store calla rhizomes over winter.
How to Divide Calla Lily Rhizomes
Follow these steps for dividing calla lilies:
1. Lift Entire Clump
Dig up the entire calla lily clump using a garden fork. Try to keep the roots intact as much as possible.
2. Remove Foliage & Brush Off Dirt
Cut off all remaining foliage, leaving about 1-2 inches of stem. Gently remove loose soil from rhizomes.
3. Slice or Break Apart Rhizomes
Separate rhizomes by slicing with a sharp knife or breaking them apart by hand.
4. Select Divisions With Growth Points
Choose divisions that have visible growth points or “eyes.” These will reshoot most vigorously. Discard any diseased or damaged sections.
5. Allow Divisions to Dry
Let freshly divided rhizomes dry out for 1-2 days. This helps prevent rot diseases.
6. Replant Divisions Promptly
Replant calla lily divisions as soon as possible either in the garden or containers. Water sparingly after transplanting.
Space divisions 6 inches apart in beds. Plant 4 inches apart in containers.
Caring for Calla Lilies After Division
Proper care after dividing calla lilies helps them reestablish quickly:
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Water lightly after transplanting, then deeply once new growth appears.
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Apply balanced liquid fertilizer monthly to encourage new rhizome and shoot growth.
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Remove spent flower stems to conserve energy.
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In cooler climates, dig up rhizomes in fall and store over winter once foliage dies back.
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In warm zones where callas remain in ground, remove old foliage and mulch plants for winter.
Dividing and transplanting calla lilies at the right time invigorates growth and flowering. Pay close attention to plant health and divide congested clumps every 3-5 years. With proper care after division, calla lilies will reward you with many years of spectacular blooms.
Start with a Better Plant
It’s easy to see differences in quality when you compare two calla lily rhizomes side by side. Newly harvested rhizomes are graded by circumference. A large, 14/16 cm rhizome (shown at far left) will grow into a bigger plant with a more impressive display of flowers.
How to Plant Calla Lilies
Dig a hole 3” to 4″ deep.
Set the rhizome into the hole with the “eyes” (growing tips) facing up.
In the garden, you can space calla lilies about 6” apart on center. In containers they look best planted more closely (4″ on center).
Cover the rhizome with soil and water lightly.
OVERWINTER CALLA LILY BULBS – Complete Instructions on How to Save Calla Bulbs
FAQ
What time of year do you transplant calla lilies?
The ideal season for transplanting calla lily is from mid-spring to early summer or late fall to mid-winter, as this ensures optimal growth. Choose a well-drained location with dappled sunlight. When transplanting, be gentle with the roots to reduce shock.
Do calla lilies multiply and spread?
Calla lilies can multiply and spread over time, but they do so through their rhizomes rather than by producing seeds. Rhizomes are underground stems that store nutrients and energy for the plant.
When to dig up and separate lilies?
When to Move Lilies. Lilies produce from bulbs and need to be divided and transplanted in the fall for the best results. Experts say late September or early October is when to move lilies. Immediately start transplanting lily bulbs once they have been lifted.
How do you divide calla lily bulbs?
Dividing calla lily bulbs is a simple process that can help propagate and rejuvenate your plants. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it: Timing: The best time to divide calla lily bulbs is during their dormant period, which is typically in late winter or early spring.
When should you divide calla lilies?
The best time to divide Calla Lilies is during the fall after the foliage has died back for the year. This is when the Lilies are starting to go into their dormant period, and the bulbs are at their most resilient. Dividing during the fall also gives your new plants some time to establish themselves before the following spring.
Do calla lilies need to be separated?
Calla lilies are gorgeous flowers that can really brighten up any garden. Their large, creamy white blooms add elegance and sophistication. While calla lilies are relatively low maintenance, they do require dividing every few years to keep the plants healthy and blooming vigorously. So when is the best time to separate calla lily bulbs?
Should I Divide and transplant calla lilies?
Or, in some cases, you may need to divide and transplant your Lilies because the clump is overcrowded. Separating Calla Lilies can rejuvenate the plant and make it healthier. Whatever the reason, it’s simple to divide and transplant Calla Lilies.
How to propagate calla lilies?
Calla lilies are stunning and elegant flowers that can add a touch of beauty to any garden or floral arrangement. One of the most effective ways to propagate calla lilies is through bulb division. Dividing calla lily bulbs not only allows you to create new plants, but it also helps to maintain the health and vigor of the existing ones.
Should I replant calla lilies in the fall?
Dividing during the fall also gives your new plants some time to establish themselves before the following spring. Dividing and replanting Calla Lilies in the spring means the plant may not be able to grow a new root system and establish itself before the hottest parts of summer roll around.