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

• Hindi: काला लिली

• Tamil: காலா லில்லி

• Telugu: కాలా లిల్లీ

• Malayalam: കാലാ ലില്ലി

• Kannada: ಕಾಲಾ ಲಿಲ್ಲಿ

• English: Calla Lily (Captain Ravello)

• Botanical Name: Zantedeschia spp.

1. 🗓️ Choose the Right Season

• Warm-season bulb plant

• Best time to plant: Late winter to early spring (Feb–Apr)

• Ideal temperature: 18°C to 28°C

• Avoid frost – plant only after the danger of cold has passed

2. 🌱 Prepare the Soil

• Type: Well-drained, fertile loamy soil

• Mix with organic compost, cocopeat, and aged manure

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

• Good drainage is essential to prevent bulb rot

3. 🌾 Planting the Bulbs

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

• Spacing: 8–12 inches apart

• Position with the growing point (eye) facing up

• Cover lightly and water after planting

4. 💧 Watering

• Keep soil evenly moist, especially during active growth

• Do not overwater — soggy soil may cause rot

• Water less frequently after blooming when leaves begin to die back

5. 🌿 Germination & Growth

• Sprouting starts in 2–4 weeks under warm conditions

• Maintain consistent warmth and humidity

• Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds

6. ☀️ Sunlight & Temperature

• Needs 6 hours of filtered or partial sunlight

• Avoid intense afternoon sun in very hot areas

• Grows best in warm, humid climates

• Not frost-tolerant – protect from cold snaps

7. 🌼 Fertilization

• Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer every 2–3 weeks

• Switch to phosphorus-rich fertilizer when flower buds appear

• Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen – it encourages leaf growth over flowers

8. 🛡️ Pest & Disease Control

• Watch for aphids, spider mites, mealybugs

• Diseases: Soft rot, root rot in poor drainage

• Use neem oil or insecticidal soap every 10–15 days

• Ensure good airflow and avoid waterlogging

9. 🌸 Blooming & Aftercare

• Flowers appear in 60–90 days

• Long-lasting blooms in shades of soft pink and white (Captain Ravello)

• Ideal for garden beds, pots, and cut flowers

• After flowering, let foliage yellow and die back naturally

• In cold zones: Dig bulbs and store indoors over winter

10. 🌱 Regrow Tip

• In warm climates: Leave bulbs in the ground to regrow next season

• In cooler climates:

  • Dig and dry bulbs after foliage dies back

  • Store in a cool, dry, dark place (10–15°C) in paper bags

  • Replant in spring

💮 Benefits of Calla Lily (Captain Ravello)

• Soft, elegant blossoms – excellent for bouquets and landscaping

• Low maintenance once established

• Resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits

• Enhances garden aesthetics with minimal care