Calla Lily 'Barracuda'

It is best to wait until the threat of frost has passed before planting into the garden.

Botanical Name: Zantedeschia elliottiana

Plant Type: Tuber

Size (HxW): 20-60cm x 20-50cm

Depth & Spacing: Plant the tubers into damp soil around 10cm deep (you could plant a little deeper to 15cm in warmer climates to protect them from the heat) with the ‘eyes’ (rough side) facing up. If you are unable to find the eyes, simply place tuber on its side, it will right itself. Plant 20-50cm apart.

Soil: Humus rich, moist, well drained soil is ideal.

Aspect: Full sun to semi shade.

Climate: Cool to Sub Tropical

Frost: Half hardy. If your ground freezes hard, it is a good idea to lift them in late autumn.

Water: Basically, they are happy so long as they aren’t cold and wet or hot and dry. Wait until they sprout before you begin watering, and then keep moist in active growth. If Calla Lilies dry out, it may trigger dormancy and you won’t see them again until next season – this is more likely to happen in pots where they have limited access to water so be sure to keep your containers moist in active growth.

Fertiliser: Add a well balanced fertiliser winter/spring. Adding liquid fertiliser fortnightly during summer growth is beneficial for flower production. If grown in pots, fertilise and water more regularly. They use a lot of energy to produce a lot of flowers so need the fuel to thrive.

Flowering Time: Summer. In warm zones they may spot flower year round.

After Flower Care: Cut off spent flowers and yellowed leaves to tidy.

Notes: They can be grown in pots and tubs. Flowering at their best may take a few years, as they do not like their roots disturbed. It is a good idea to guard the foliage against slugs and snails who find the new growth delicious! The flowers are excellent for cutting. Calla Lilies can be left undisturbed for many years. As required, rhizomes can be dug late autumn or winter if necessary. To divide them, cut into pieces, ensuring each piece has a growing eye. Allow the ‘wound’ to heal, storing in a dry, airy position and then replant. Some cultivars have bigger tubers than others. So if you purchase more than one variety, their size may vary, there is no need to be concerned, they are all of good flowering size and it won’t necessarily mean one will have more flowers than another.