Dividing Calla Lilies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Calla lilies are beautiful and elegant flowers that are often used for weddings, special occasions, and home decor. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, making them a versatile choice for any occasion. If you have calla lilies in your garden or want to propagate them, dividing them is an easy and cost-effective way to get more plants. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to divide calla lilies.

Why Divide Calla Lilies?

Dividing calla lilies is a great way to increase the number of plants you have without having to spend money on new ones. It is also a good way to keep your plants healthy and prevent overcrowding. When calla lilies are left to grow in one area for too long, they can become overcrowded, and their growth can become stunted. Dividing the plants allows for more space for each individual plant to grow and flourish.

When to Divide Calla Lilies?

The best time to divide calla lilies is in the spring when new growth starts to appear. This is usually around March or April, depending on your location. Dividing them during this time ensures that the plants have enough time to establish themselves before the hot summer months arrive. You can also divide calla lilies in the fall, but it is important to do so at least six weeks before the first frost to allow the plants enough time to settle in before winter.

Step-by-Step Guide to Dividing Calla Lilies

Step 1: Prepare Your Tools and Materials

Before you begin dividing your calla lilies, make sure you have the necessary tools and materials on hand. You will need a sharp knife or garden shears, a clean work surface, some potting soil, and pots or containers for planting the divided plants.

Step 2: Dig Up the Calla Lilies

Using a shovel or garden fork, carefully dig up the calla lilies you want to divide. Be sure to dig deeply and gently to avoid damaging the roots. Once the plants are out of the ground, shake off any excess dirt and remove any dead or damaged leaves.

A person digging up calla lilies in a garden

Step 3: Separate the Bulbs

Using a sharp knife or garden shears, carefully separate the bulbs into smaller sections. Be sure to cut between the growth points, and avoid cutting through the center of the bulb. Each section should have at least one growth point and several roots.

A person separating calla lily bulbs with a knife

Step 4: Plant Your Divided Calla Lilies

Once you have separated your calla lilies, it's time to plant them. Fill your containers with potting soil and make a hole deep enough for the bulb to sit. Place the bulb in the hole and cover it with soil, being careful not to bury the growth point. Water the soil thoroughly and place the container in a warm, sunny spot.

A person planting divided calla lilies in a pot

Step 5: Care for Your Newly Planted Calla Lilies

After planting your calla lilies, it is important to care for them properly. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and avoid fertilizing them for the first few weeks. Once the plants start to grow, you can feed them with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks. Calla lilies prefer full sun to partial shade, so be sure to place them in a spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.

Tips for Dividing Calla Lilies

Here are some additional tips to help make your calla lily dividing process a success:

• Be sure to choose healthy plants for dividing.
• Space your newly planted calla lilies about 12 inches apart to give them room to grow.
• Divide your calla lilies every three to four years to keep them healthy and blooming.
• If you live in a colder climate, consider storing your calla lily bulbs indoors during the winter months.

Dividing calla lilies is an easy and cost-effective way to get more plants and keep your existing plants healthy. With these simple steps, you can divide your calla lilies and enjoy their beauty for years to come.

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