🌱 How to Grow Calla Lily (Captain Caruso) from Bulbs
Also known as:

• Hindi: काला लिली

• Tamil: காலா லில்லி

• Telugu: కాలా లిల్లీ

• Malayalam: കാലാ ലില്ലി

• Kannada: ಕಾಲಾ ಲಿಲ್ಲಿ

• English: Calla Lily (Captain Caruso)

• Botanical Name: Zantedeschia spp.

1. 🗓️ Choose the Right Season

• Warm-season flowering bulb

• Best time to plant: Early spring (Feb–Apr) after the danger of frost has passed

• Ideal growing temperature: 18°C to 28°C

2. 🌱 Prepare the Soil

• Soil Type: Well-drained, fertile soil

• Amend with compost, cocopeat, and aged manure

• pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

• Avoid waterlogged conditions — it leads to bulb rot

3. 🌾 Planting the Bulbs

• Planting Depth: 2 to 3 inches (5–7 cm) deep

• Spacing: 8 to 12 inches apart

• Position bulbs with the pointed side (growing eye) facing upward

• Cover lightly and water well after planting

4. 💧 Watering

• Keep soil evenly moist during active growth and flowering

• Avoid overwatering — ensure good drainage

• Reduce watering during dormancy (after flowering)

5. 🌿 Germination & Growth

• Sprouting begins in 2–4 weeks

• Maintain consistent warmth and moisture

• Use mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds

6. ☀️ Sunlight & Temperature

• Requires 6 hours of filtered sunlight daily

• Tolerates partial shade in hot climates

• Not frost-tolerant — protect from temperatures below 10°C

7. 🌼 Fertilization

• Use balanced liquid fertilizer every 2–3 weeks

• Reduce nitrogen once flowering begins to promote blooms

• Use phosphorus-rich bloom boosters when flower buds form

8. 🛡️ Pest & Disease Control

• Pests: Aphids, mealybugs, spider mites

• Diseases: Root rot, bacterial soft rot in poorly drained soils

• Prevent with neem oil spray every 10–15 days

• Ensure airflow and avoid wetting leaves excessively

9. 🌸 Blooming & Aftercare

• Flowers appear in 60–90 days from planting

• Blooms last for weeks and make beautiful cut flowers

• After blooming, let leaves yellow and dry naturally

• In cold zones, lift and store bulbs indoors before winter

10. 🌱 Regrow Tip

• In tropical/subtropical zones: Leave bulbs in ground to regrow each year

• In cold climates:

  • Dig bulbs post-flowering

  • Dry and store in paper bags in a cool, dark spot (10–15°C)

  • Replant in early spring

💮 Benefits of Calla Lily (Captain Caruso)

• Rich, vibrant-colored blooms – striking garden feature

• Long vase life – perfect for floral arrangements

• Deer- and rabbit-resistant

• Elegant addition to flower beds, borders, and pots