Calla, Red Alert
Short Description
Exceptionally showy blooms in gardens, containers and vases.
Full Description
Product properties
Sun The amount of sunlight this product needs daily in order to perform well in the garden. Full sun means 6 hours of direct sun per day; partial sun means 2-4 hours of direct sun per day; shade means little or no direct sun.
Full Sun, Part Sun
Height The typical height of this product at maturity.
20-24 inches
Spread The width of the plant at maturity.
8-10 inches
Ornamental Use Ways in which the product may be used in the garden for ornamental effect.
Beds, Borders, Container, Cut Flowers
Life Cycle This refers to whether a plant is an annual, biennial or perennial. Annuals complete their life cycles in one year; biennials produce foliage the first year and bloom and go to seed the second year; perennials can live for more than two years.
Annual
Growth Habit The genetic tendency of a plant to grow in a certain shape, such as vining or bush like.
Mound
Plant Shipping Information
Plants begin shipping week of:
May 07, 2018
Click here for Spring shipping scheduleRestrictions:
Item 22609 cannot ship to: AA, AE, AK, AP, AS, CN, FM, GU, HI, MH, MP, PR, PW, VI
See all Burpee plant shipping restrictions for your state
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Video

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Start Indoors Starting seeds indoors is called Indoor Sow or Indirect Sow and these dates are when to sow seeds indoors in the spring or summerTransplant When to transplant bulbs or roots in the garden for springStart Outdoors Starting seeds outdoors is called Outdoor Sow or Direct Sow and these dates are when to sow seeds outdoors in the spring or summerStart Indoors Fall Starting seeds indoors in the fall called Indoor Sow or Indirect Sow and these dates are when to sow seeds outdoors in the fallTransplant Fall Transplant Fall-When to transplant bulbs or roots in the garden for fallStart Outdoors Fall Starting seeds outdoors in the fall is called Outdoor Sow or Direct Sow and these dates are when to sow seeds outdoors in the fallJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Planting Calla Lily Bulbs
- Plant bulbs outside after all danger of frost has passed and daytime temperatures remain above 70 degrees.
- Select a location in full sun, or in areas with hot summers, in an area with afternoon shade. Calla lilies prefer a good rich moist organic soil.
- Prepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 8 inches. Level with a rake to remove clumps of grass and stones.
- Most plants respond well to soils amended with organic matter. Compost is a wonderful form of organic matter with a good balance of nutrients and an ideal pH level, it can be added to your planting area at any time. If compost is not available, top dress the soil after planting with 1-2 inches of organic mulch, which will begin to breakdown into compost. After the growing season, a soil test will indicate what soil amendments are needed for the following season.
- Plant bulbs 1-2 inches deep, 12 inches apart. The side with the “eyes” should be up as these are the growing points.
- Bulbs may be started inside 6-8 weeks before all danger of frost has passed.
- Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their germination.
- Mulches also help retain soil moisture and maintain even soil temperatures. For annuals an organic mulch of shredded leaves lends a natural look to the bed and will improve the soil as it breaks down in time. Always keep mulches off a plant’s stems to prevent possible rot.
- Keep plants well-watered during the growing season, especially during dry spells. Plants need about 1 inch of rain per week during the growing season. Use a rain gauge to check to see if you need to add water. It's best to water with a drip or trickle system that delivers water at low pressure at the soil level. If you water with overhead sprinklers, water early in the day so the foliage has time to dry off before evening, to minimize disease problems. Keep the soil moist but not saturated.
- After new growth appears, a light fertilizer may be applied. Keep granular fertilizers away from the plant crown and foliage to avoid burn injury. Use low rates of a slow release fertilizer as higher rates may encourage root rots.
- Monitor for pests and diseases. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Service for pest controls recommended for your area.
- Calla lilies are hardy in zones 8-10, but need to be dug up and stored over the winter in cooler zones. In the fall before frost or when the foliage begins to die back, dig up the bulbs with the soil and tops clinging to them. Cut the foliage to about 2-3 inches from the bulb and allow to dry in a warm location with good air circulation for 4-7 days. Store bulbs at about 50 degrees F.
- Calla lily may be grown in containers, or inside as a house plant.
- The flowers are great for cutting, and the foliage is ornamental as well.
- Caution: calla lilies are toxic to dogs and cats if eaten.