Why Calla Lilies Don't Bloom: Making Your Calla Lily Bloom
The typical calla lily bloom time is in the summer and fall, but for many calla lily owners this time may come and go without a sign of buds or flowers from their calla lily plant. This is especially true for gardeners who grow their calla lilies in containers. It makes calla lily owners wonder, “Why don't my calla lilies flower?” and, “How can I make calla lilies bloom?” Let's look at why calla lilies don't bloom and how to fix that.
Making Calla Lilies Planted in the Ground Bloom
Calla lilies planted in the ground tend to bloom without too many problems. When they fail to bloom, it is due to one of three reasons. These reasons are:
- Too much nitrogen
- Lack of water
- Lack of sun
If your calla lily is not blooming due to too much nitrogen, the plant will grow rapidly and be lush. You may notice a brown edge on the leaves as well. Too much nitrogen will encourage foliage to grow but will prevent the plant from blooming. Switch your fertilizer to one that is higher in phosphorus than nitrogen to make calla lilies bloom. If your calla lilies are not planted in an area that gets plenty of water, this may be causing them not to bloom.
The growth of the calla lily plant will be stunted, yellowing and you may occasionally see the plant wilted. If the calla lily is not getting enough water, you may want to transplant it to somewhere where it will get more water or make sure that you are supplementing the amount of water it gets. Calla lilies like full sun. If they are planted somewhere that is too shady, they will not bloom. If calla lilies are getting too little light, they will be stunted. If you think that your calla lilies are not blooming because they are getting too little light, you will need to transplant them to a sunnier location.
Making Calla Lilies Planted in Containers Rebloom
While the same things that affect calla lilies planted in the ground can also affect calla lilies planted in containers, there is a more common reason that container grown calla lilies do not bloom. This reason is that they do not get a dormant period in order to prepare for a blooming season. To make a calla lily plant in a container rebloom, you need to provide them with a dormant period. You can do this very easily.
Once the calla lily plant has stopped blooming, stop providing water to it. Allow it to go bone dry. The foliage will die back and the plant will appear to be dead. Place it in a cool (not cold) dark place for two months. After this, bring it back out into the light and resume watering it. The foliage will regrow and you calla lily plant will start to bloom shortly thereafter.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our most popular eBook "How to Grow Delicious Tomatoes."
Heather Rhoades founded Gardening Know How in 2007. She holds degrees from Cleveland State University and Northern Kentucky University. She is an avid gardener with a passion for community, and is a recipient of the Master Gardeners of Ohio Lifetime Achievement Award.
-
How To Grow Garden To Table: A Guide For Home Cooks
What could be better than a meal that comes directly from garden to table? Show off your gardening and culinary skills with the very freshest food.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Want a Backyard Mini Orchard? Create Your Own Container Orchard
Easier to care for in small spaces, a backyard mini-orchard makes sense for busy gardeners and juicy fruit is the reward.
By Teo Spengler
-
Planting A Calla Lily In A Pot: Care Of Container Grown Calla Lilies
Calla lilies are hardy in zones of 8-11 - but may survive zone 7 with protection. They also bloom primarily in summer. Because of bloom time and plant hardiness, many gardeners find it easier to grow potted calla lily plants. Click this article to learn more.
By Darcy Larum
-
Calla Lily Hardiness: Will Calla Lilies Come Back In Spring
Calla lily is a top choice for gifts and if you find yourself having been gifted one, you may be wondering what to do with it next. Is keeping callas year round possible or is it a one-time beauty? Let us help you figure it out. Click this article to learn more.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Calla Lily Varieties – Information About Different Calla Lily Plants
Calla lily plants produce classically beautiful flowers, prized for their elegant, trumpet-like shape. The white calla lily is one of the most well-known and popular varieties, but if you're a fan, check out the many other colorful options. This article will help.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Feeding Calla Lilies : How To Fertilize Calla Lily Plants
Calla lilies are heavy water users and require plenty of the right kind of nutrients for maximum flowering and healthy growth. Some tips on how to fertilize calla lily will ensure beautiful flowers and erect, vigorous plants. This article will help with that.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Calla Lily Watering: How Much Water Do Calla Lilies Need
While calla lily is a relatively low-maintenance plant, it won't tolerate excessively dry conditions or soggy, poorly drained soil. You can learn more about calla lily water requirements in this article. Click here for additional information.
By Mary H. Dyer
-
Calla Buds Not Blooming – Reasons Why Calla Lily Buds Don’t Open
Getting buds to open on callas is not typically difficult, but there may be a few easy-fix problems going on with your plant. Tweaking one or two things should help you get your blooms back. This article will help with that.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Transplanting Calla Lilies: How To Transplant Calla Lilies Outside
With their handsome, tropical foliage and dramatic flowers, calla lilies add a hint of mystery and elegance to the garden. This article tells you how to transplant calla lilies outside or into pots for indoor or outdoor culture.
By Jackie Carroll
-
Dividing Calla Lilies - How And When To Divide Callas
Calla lilies are handsome enough to grow for their foliage alone, but when the bold, single-petaled flowers unfurl, they are sure to attract attention. Learn how to divide these dramatic, tropical plants in this article.
By Jackie Carroll