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

• Hindi: काला लिली

• Tamil: காலா லில்லி

• Telugu: కాలా లిల్లీ

• Malayalam: കാലാ ലില്ലി

• Kannada: ಕಾಲಾ ಲಿಲ್ಲಿ

• English: Calla Lily (Captain Hollywood)

• Botanical Name: Zantedeschia spp.

1. 🗓️ Choose the Right Season

• Warm-season flowering plant

• Best time to plant: Spring (Feb–Apr) after last frost

• Ideal temperature: 18°C–28°C

2. 🌱 Prepare the Soil

• Soil Type: Well-drained, loose, and fertile

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

• Mix compost or aged manure into the soil

• Avoid heavy clay or soggy soil

3. 🌾 Planting the Bulbs

• Depth: Plant bulbs 2–3 inches (5–7 cm) deep

• Spacing: 8–12 inches apart

• Place bulbs with the growing tip facing upward

• Press gently into soil and cover lightly

4. 💧 Watering

• Water thoroughly after planting

• Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged

• Reduce watering once the plant goes dormant (usually in late fall)

5. 🌿 Germination & Growth

• Sprouts appear in 2–4 weeks

• Keep in bright, indirect sunlight initially

• As plant grows, it can tolerate more direct light

6. ☀️ Sunlight & Temperature

• Requires 6 hours of indirect to partial sunlight daily

• In hot climates, provide afternoon shade

• Protect from temperatures below 10°C

7. 🌼 Fertilization

• Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2–3 weeks during active growth

• Too much nitrogen can reduce blooming

• Use bloom boosters (high in phosphorus) during flowering phase

8. 🛡️ Pest & Disease Control

• Common pests: Aphids, spider mites, thrips

• Diseases: Root rot, bacterial soft rot (in soggy soil)

• Use neem oil spray every 10–15 days for prevention

• Ensure good air circulation around plants

9. 🌸 Blooming & Aftercare

• Blooms appear in 60–90 days after planting

• Flowers last for weeks and are excellent for cutting

• Once blooming is over, allow foliage to die back naturally

• In cold climates, dig and store bulbs over winter

10. 🌱 Regrow Tip

• In warm regions: Leave bulbs in ground; they regrow yearly

• In cold climates:

  • Dig up bulbs in late fall

  • Dry, then store in cool, dry place (10°C–15°C)

  • Replant next spring

💮 Benefits of Calla Lily

• Stunning ornamental flower, perfect for pots and beds

• Symbol of purity and elegance

• Long-lasting cut flowers for arrangements

• Deer and rabbit resistant