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Calla lilies can be transplanted in the fall, and it’s actually one of the best times to do so.
Transplanting calla lilies in the fall gives the plants a chance to settle into their new location before the colder winter months.
This timing helps calla lilies develop strong roots and ensures they bloom beautifully the next growing season.
In this post, we’ll dive into why calla lilies can be transplanted in the fall, how to do it properly, and tips to give your lilies the best chance to thrive after transplanting.
Let’s get started to learn everything you need about transplanting calla lilies in the fall.
Why You Can Transplant Calla Lilies in the Fall
Transplanting calla lilies in the fall works well because the cooler temperatures and slower growth rate reduce transplant shock.
1. Cooler Temperatures Reduce Stress
The fall’s cooler weather means calla lilies aren’t actively growing as fast as in spring or summer.
Because the plant’s energy isn’t focused on producing flowers or leaves, it diverts more energy to establishing roots after transplanting.
This lower growth activity makes calla lilies less vulnerable to transplant shock in the fall.
2. Time to Establish Roots Before Winter
When transplanted in the fall, calla lilies have weeks — sometimes months, depending on your climate — to grow new roots before the ground freezes.
Strong root systems in fall help bulbs survive the winter and make them ready for vigorous growth in spring.
Giving root systems time to settle before cold weather is why many gardeners prefer transplanting calla lilies in fall.
3. Natural Dormancy Cycle Helps
Calla lilies naturally go dormant as weather cools in the fall, slowing above-ground growth.
This dormancy gives the bulbs a rest period, during which root growth still occurs underground.
Transplanting during their natural dormancy phase means less disturbance to leafy growth and more focus on root development.
4. Preparing for Spring Growth
Plants transplanted in the fall adapt to their new environment in time to jumpstart growth with warmer weather.
By spring, calla lilies transplanted in fall tend to flower stronger and look healthier.
This makes fall a strategic time to move or divide calla lilies without losing blooms or vitality.
How to Transplant Calla Lilies Successfully in the Fall
Knowing that you can transplant calla lilies in the fall is one thing — doing it right is another.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to make your fall calla lily transplanting successful.
1. Timing the Transplant
The best time to transplant calla lilies in the fall is after the first frost blackens the leaves but before the ground freezes solid.
This timing means the plant has entered dormancy and is less active, which as we said helps avoid transplant shock.
Check your local frost dates and plan to transplant in the weeks following the first frost.
2. Prepare the New Planting Site
Choose a well-draining location that gets plenty of indirect sunlight or partial shade.
Calla lilies thrive in soil that’s rich in organic matter and stays moist but not soggy.
Before transplanting, loosen the soil and mix in compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the site.
3. Digging Up the Bulbs Carefully
Use a garden fork or shovel to gently lift the calla lily bulbs from the ground.
Avoid damaging the bulbs by digging a wide circle around the plant to keep roots intact.
Shake off excess soil, but don’t wash the bulbs; it’s better if some soil remains to prevent bulb drying.
4. Dividing Bulbs If Needed
If your calla lilies have reached overcrowded conditions, fall transplanting is a good time to divide the bulbs.
Separate the bulbs carefully, ensuring each has some roots attached.
Dividing helps rejuvenate the plant and encourages bigger, better flowers next year.
5. Planting the Bulbs
Plant your calla lily bulbs about 3 to 4 inches deep with the pointed side up.
Space them at least 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for future growth.
Water the soil lightly after planting to settle it around the bulbs.
6. Mulching After Transplant
Apply a 2 to 3-inch layer of mulch around the bulbs to insulate and retain moisture.
Mulch helps protect calla lilies from temperature swings during fall and winter.
Use straw, shredded bark, or dried leaves as mulch materials.
Tips to Care for Calla Lilies After Transplanting in Fall
Successfully transplanting calla lilies in the fall doesn’t stop after planting.
Proper care following transplant will boost your plants’ survival chances and flowering success in the spring.
1. Watering Wisely
Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging the soil after transplanting.
Too much water can cause bulbs to rot, so water only when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Reduce watering frequency as the weather gets colder and the plant enters dormancy.
2. Protect from Freezing Temperatures
In colder regions where the ground freezes deeply, add extra mulch or consider covering bulbs with burlap.
You can also dig up the bulbs and store them indoors in dry peat moss or sawdust if your winters are harsh.
3. Avoid Fertilizing Too Late
Stop fertilizing calla lilies about 6 weeks before the first expected frost.
Late fertilization can encourage tender growth that is vulnerable to frost damage.
Start fertilizing again in early spring after new shoots appear.
4. Monitor for Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for pests like aphids or fungal diseases that may hurt calla lilies after transplant.
Removing damaged leaves and improving soil drainage can reduce disease risks.
Fall transplanting timing generally avoids many pests, but staying vigilant helps.
Understanding When Not to Transplant Calla Lilies in Fall
Although fall is generally a good time for transplanting calla lilies, there are exceptions when you might want to wait.
1. Extremely Harsh Winters
If you live in areas with very cold winters and frozen ground, transplanting calla lilies too late in fall can be risky.
The bulbs may not have enough time to establish roots before the freeze, leading to poor survival.
In such cases, consider transplanting in late summer or early fall to give them extra time.
2. When Bulbs Are Actively Growing
If your calla lilies are still actively growing and flowering late into fall, it might be best to wait until after dormancy before moving them.
Transplanting during active growth can cause more shock and stress to the plant.
3. During Wet or Flooded Conditions
Avoid transplanting calla lilies when the soil is overly saturated or during heavy rainfall periods in fall.
Wet soil can lead to bulb rot and make digging and moving bulbs more difficult.
So, Can You Transplant Calla Lilies in the Fall?
Yes, you can transplant calla lilies in the fall, and it’s actually a smart time to do so for many gardeners.
Transplanting calla lilies in the fall allows the plants to enter dormancy with less stress, establish strong roots before winter, and prepare for vibrant blooms in spring.
To transplant successfully in the fall: choose the right timing after the first frost, prepare well-draining soil rich in organic material, dig up bulbs carefully, divide if needed, and plant them at the correct depth with proper spacing.
Don’t forget to mulch and water moderately after transplanting to help calla lilies adjust to their new home.
Avoid transplanting in extremely cold, wet, or active growth conditions to prevent harming the plants.
Following these tips will help you get the most out of transplanting calla lilies in the fall and keep your garden blooming beautifully year after year.
Happy gardening with your fall calla lily transplant!