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How do you store calla lilies for the winter?
Storing calla lilies for the winter involves digging up the bulbs before the first frost, cleaning and drying them carefully, and then keeping them in a cool, dry, and dark place until spring.
By doing this, you ensure your calla lilies survive the cold months and bloom beautifully again next year.
In this post, we’ll dig into the best ways to store calla lilies for the winter, including how to prepare them, where to keep them, and tips to keep them healthy through the season.
Let’s jump in and learn how to store calla lilies for the winter like a pro.
Why You Should Store Calla Lilies for the Winter
Storing calla lilies for the winter is essential because these beautiful plants are not frost-hardy and can perish if left in freezing temperatures.
1. Calla Lilies Are Tender Perennials
Calla lilies are tender perennials, meaning they grow back year after year if their rhizomes survive the winter.
However, if exposed to freezing soil, the bulbs can rot or freeze, which kills the plant.
By storing calla lilies properly for the winter, you give them the best chance to return healthy and strong in spring.
2. Protects from Frost Damage
The main risk to calla lilies over winter is frost damage.
Because calla lilies originate from warmer climates, frost can cause the foliage to die and the rhizomes to rot underground.
Storing them indoors or in a frost-free environment keeps your lilies safe until the weather warms again.
3. Prepares for Spring Planting
Storing calla lilies in winter also makes it easier to replant them at the right time.
When kept dormant in a cool and dry place, the bulbs rest and are ready for a new growth cycle once spring arrives.
This helps you get a head start on the growing season and enjoy beautiful blooms.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Store Calla Lilies for the Winter
Now that we know why it’s important to store calla lilies for the winter, let’s walk through the step-by-step process to do it right.
1. When to Dig Up Your Calla Lilies
The best time to dig up calla lilies for winter storage is after the first frost when the foliage starts to yellow and die back.
This signals that the plant is going dormant naturally.
Wait until the leaves have fully yellowed or turned brown so the bulbs have stored enough energy for winter.
2. Carefully Dig Up the Rhizomes
Use a garden fork or shovel to gently loosen the soil around the calla lily plants, being careful not to damage the rhizomes.
Lift the bulbs out and shake off excess soil.
Try not to wash them with water at this stage, as moisture promotes rot during storage.
Instead, gently brush off the dirt with your hands or a soft brush.
3. Clean and Dry the Bulbs
After digging them up, inspect the bulbs carefully for any signs of damage, mold, or rot.
Cut off any soft or mushy parts with a clean knife to prevent spreading rot.
Then, spread your calla lily bulbs out in a well-ventilated spot protected from direct sunlight.
Allow them to dry gradually for about one to two weeks, which helps the outer layers cure and reduces moisture.
4. Choose the Right Storage Medium
After drying, you’ll want to store your calla lilies in a medium that keeps them dry but prevents shriveling.
Common options include peat moss, vermiculite, or dry sand.
These materials absorb excess moisture and provide cushioning for the bulbs.
5. Store in a Cool, Dark, and Dry Place
Place your dry bulbs in paper bags or cardboard boxes filled partially with your chosen storage material.
Keep the containers in a cool area, ideally between 45-55°F (7-13°C).
Avoid humid spots like basements that tend to collect moisture.
A garage, unheated closet, or cellar works well as long as it stays dry.
Avoid freezing temperatures to protect the calla lily bulbs from damage.
Additional Tips for Storing Calla Lilies for Winter Success
Proper storage practices can make all the difference when it comes to keeping your calla lilies healthy through the winter.
1. Label Your Bulbs
If you have multiple varieties or planted calla lilies in several spots, label the storage containers clearly.
This way, you avoid confusion in the spring and know exactly which bulbs are which when it’s time to plant again.
2. Check Bulbs Periodically
Throughout the winter, routinely check on your stored calla lily bulbs.
Look for signs of mold, shriveling, or rotting.
If you spot any problems, remove affected bulbs to protect the others.
You can also lightly mist the storage medium if bulbs look too dry and shriveled but avoid adding too much moisture.
3. Don’t Store Calla Lilies in Plastic Bags
Plastic bags trap moisture and restrict airflow, which promotes mold growth and bulb rot.
Stick to breathable containers like paper bags or cardboard boxes with a dry, absorbent medium.
4. Prepare for Spring Planting Early
About 4-6 weeks before your last expected frost date, begin to take your calla lily bulbs out of storage.
Soak them in warm water for a couple of hours to rehydrate before planting.
This jump-starts the growing process and encourages strong root development.
How to Store Calla Lilies for the Winter in Different Climates
Your local climate affects how you should store calla lilies during winter.
1. In Mild Winter Regions
In warmer climates where frost is rare or mild, calla lilies can sometimes be left in the ground over winter.
If you choose this, mulch heavily with straw or leaves to protect rhizomes from occasional chill.
However, digging and storing bulbs indoors remains the safest way to guarantee survival.
2. In Cold Winter Regions
For areas with hard frosts or snow, always dig up calla lilies before the first frost.
Store the bulbs indoors in a controlled environment as described above.
This keeps your lilies safe from freeze damage and ensures they come back healthy.
3. In Humid Climates
If you live somewhere with humid winters, it’s critical to keep bulbs dry during storage.
Use a moisture-absorbing medium like dry peat moss and store bulbs in a well-ventilated space.
Consider adding silica gel packets to your storage container to reduce humidity further.
So, How Do You Store Calla Lilies for the Winter?
How you store calla lilies for the winter makes all the difference in whether they bloom beautifully again next season or fail to come back.
The best approach is to dig up your calla lily bulbs after the first frost, clean and dry them thoroughly, and store them in a breathable container with a dry medium like peat moss.
Keep them in a cool, dark, and dry place away from freezing temperatures but not too warm, ideally between 45-55°F.
Check your bulbs periodically to prevent mold or rot, and get them ready for spring planting by rehydrating them before putting them back in your garden.
By following these steps to store calla lilies for the winter, you protect your plants and look forward to vibrant, stunning blooms year after year.
Happy gardening!