Callas (Zantedeschia) are elegant summer-flowering bulbs with characteristic funnel-shaped flowers in various colors. They are ideal for borders, pots, and as cut flowers thanks to their sturdy stems and long vase life. Callas bloom for a long time, love a sunny location, and give every garden or terrace a stylish, luxurious look.
Callas, also known as Zantedeschia, are elegant summer-flowering bulbs loved for their graceful, funnel-shaped flowers and fresh green, often variegated leaves. Thanks to their stylish appearance, callas are popular in borders, pots, patios, and as high-quality cut flowers. The flowers are available in a wide range of colors, including white, yellow, orange, pink, red, purple, and almost black, making them easy to combine with other summer bloomers.
Calla bulbs are planted in the spring, after the risk of night frost has passed. They grow best in a sunny to lightly shaded location in nutritious, humus-rich, and well-drained soil. Regular watering during the growing season is important, but prevent the soil from remaining wet for extended periods. With sufficient nutrition and care, callas bloom profusely from early summer into the autumn.
Within this product group, both compact varieties for pots and taller types for borders and cut flower cultivation are available. Due to their sturdy flower stems and long vase life, callas are very popular as cut flowers. The striking flowers give bouquets a modern and luxurious look and are widely used in bridal work and floral arrangements.
After flowering, the foliage gradually dies back. In areas with severe winters, calla bulbs are not fully winter-hardy, and it is advisable to dig up the bulbs in the autumn. Then store them in a cool, dry, and frost-free place to replant them the following spring. In mild winters or in sheltered locations, some varieties can overwinter in the ground with proper winter protection, depending on the conditions.
With their refined flowers, long flowering period, and versatile uses, callas are an excellent choice for any garden enthusiast. Whether planted in a colorful border, a stylish flowerpot, or used as exclusive cut flowers, callas provide an elegant and distinctive look in gardens and interiors season after season.
You plant Calla bulbs in the spring, after the risk of night frost has passed. This is usually from late April through May. For earlier flowering, you can start the bulbs indoors.
Plant the tuber approximately 8 to 10 centimeters deep, with the growing points facing upward. Maintain a distance of approximately 20 to 30 centimeters between the tubers, depending on the final plant size.
Most colored Callas are not winter hardy. Dig up the bulbs after the first frost and store them dry, cool, and frost-free. The white Calla (Zantedeschia aethiopica) is slightly more resistant to cold in a sheltered spot, but also needs protection during severe frost.
Yes, Callas are excellent cut flowers. Thanks to their sturdy stems and elegant blooms, with proper care they stay beautiful in a vase for about 7 to 14 days.
Cut the flower when the bract (the colored "flower") is fully open and beautifully colored. Flowers harvested too early do not open as well.
Preferably harvest in the morning, when the stems are well hydrated and the flowers stay beautiful longer.
Professional growers often carefully pull the flower stem out of the bulb, as this removes the entire stem and reduces the risk of a stump that might rot. In the garden, you can also cut the stem as low as possible with a sharp, clean knife or pruning shears.
Immediately after harvesting, place the stems in clean, cool water. Use a clean vase to extend shelf life.
Remove leaves that would be submerged to prevent bacterial growth.
Yellow leaves can have various causes, such as too much water, poor drainage, a nutrient deficiency, or the natural end of the growing season. Always check the soil moisture first.
A Calla blooms less well when it receives too little sunlight, is planted too deep, or receives insufficient nutrients. A damaged or depleted bulb can also reduce flowering. With a sunny location, regular fertilization, and good care, the plant will generally bloom profusely.
