Calla Lily Care
Zantedeschia aethiopica
The growth cycle of the white calla (growing in winter, dormant in summer) is perfect for Izmir's climate. It loves rich, moist soils and partially shaded spots sheltered from afternoon sun. Its colored hybrids, on the other hand, have a reverse cycle (growing in summer, dormant in winter) and need more care.
Frost-tender (protect from frost) · -4 °C / 25 °F
Monthly care calendar
Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.
January
- Watering: If the soil is dry, water; rainfall is usually sufficient.
- Fertilizing: As growth continues, a balanced liquid fertilizer may be applied once a month. Do not overapply.
- Pruning: Cut only yellowing leaves.
- Plant protection: Check for aphids.
- General care: The plant stays leafy through the winter.
- Pests & diseases: To prevent root rot, make sure drainage is good.
- Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately -4 °C.
February
- Watering: If the soil is dry, water.
- Fertilizing: Continue fertilizing once a month.
- Pruning: Remove yellowing leaves.
- General care: The plant continues to grow.
- Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately -4 °C.
March
- Watering: As the weather warms and rainfall decreases, begin regular watering. Keep the soil moist.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer or well-rotted organic fertilizer once when it wakes from dormancy.
- Plant protection: Protect the newly emerging flowers and leaves from slugs and snails.
- General care: Flower stalks begin to form.
- Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately -4 °C.
April
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water 1-2 times a week.
- Fertilizing: Continue fertilizing every two weeks.
- Pruning: Cut spent flowers off at the base together with their stalks.
- Plant protection: Continue pest and disease control.
- General care: This is the period of most intense flowering.
May
- Watering: Water 2-3 times a week. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
- Fertilizing: Stop fertilizing.
- Pruning: Regularly remove spent flowers at the base; this encourages new flowering.
- General care: Spread a 5-7 cm layer of mulch over the root zone; it retains soil moisture and suppresses weeds. Do not pile mulch against the trunk.
June
- Watering: Water deeply 3-4 times a week, early in the morning. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface. Frequent shallow watering pulls the roots to the surface.
- Pruning: Regularly remove spent flowers at the base; this encourages new flowering.
- General care: The plant is fully in summer dormancy. The rhizomes rest below ground.
- Pests & diseases: During this period, if you water, the rhizomes will rot.
July
- Watering: Water deeply 3-4 times a week, early in the morning. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface. Frequent shallow watering pulls the roots to the surface.
- Pruning: Regularly remove spent flowers at the base; this encourages new flowering.
- General care: Keep it in a position sheltered from midday sun; scorching at the leaf edges is a sign of burn.
August
- Watering: Water deeply 3-4 times a week, early in the morning. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface. Frequent shallow watering pulls the roots to the surface.
- Pruning: Regularly remove spent flowers at the base; this encourages new flowering.
- General care: The plant is dormant.
September
- Watering: Water 2-3 times a week. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
- Pruning: Regularly remove spent flowers at the base; this encourages new flowering.
- General care: When new shoots begin to emerge from the soil, this is the start of the growth cycle. It is the ideal time to plant rhizomes or to propagate existing plants by division.
- Pests & diseases: Before planting the rhizomes, pick out any that are rotten or diseased.
October
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water 1-2 times a week.
- Fertilizing: Start a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month. Do not overfeed.
- Plant protection: Protect young shoots against slugs and snails.
- General care: The leaves grow quickly. The best period for planting continues.
November
- Watering: Water as the soil dries. Rainfall is usually sufficient.
- Fertilizing: Continue fertilizing once a month.
- Pruning: Remove the lowest leaves that are turning yellow.
- General care: The plant builds leaf mass that stays green through the winter. Last chance for planting.
- Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately -4 °C.
December
- Watering: Not required; winter rains are sufficient.
- Fertilizing: Fertilizing once a month may continue or be stopped.
- Pruning: Remove yellowing leaves.
- General care: The plant grows slowly through the winter.
- Pests & diseases: Cold and wet weather can trigger fungal diseases. Good air circulation is important.
- Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately -4 °C.
The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.
Want reminders for every plant in your garden? Our garden-care app with monthly task lists and frost alerts is currently available in Turkish; the English version is on the way.
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