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

• Hindi: काला लिली

• Tamil: காலா லில்லி

• Telugu: కాలా లిల్లీ

• Malayalam: കാലാ ലില്ലി

• Kannada: ಕಾಲಾ ಲಿಲ್ಲಿ

• English: Calla Lily (Captain Redwood)

• Botanical Name: Zantedeschia spp.

1. 🗓️ Choose the Right Season

• Warm-season flowering bulb

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

• Ideal temperature: 18°C to 28°C

• Avoid frost-prone periods — plant when the soil has warmed up

2. 🌱 Prepare the Soil

• Soil Type: Well-drained, rich loamy or sandy-loam soil

• Mix in organic compost, cocopeat, and aged manure

• pH Range: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

• Ensure proper drainage to prevent bulb rot

3. 🌾 Planting the Bulbs

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

• Spacing: Keep 8–12 inches between bulbs

• Place with the pointed end (eye) facing upward

• Cover with soil and water lightly

4. 💧 Watering

• Water thoroughly after planting

• Keep soil consistently moist during growth

• Reduce watering after the plant blooms and enters dormancy

• Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases

5. 🌿 Germination & Growth

• Bulbs sprout in 2–4 weeks in warm temperatures

• Maintain warm, moist conditions until shoots appear

• Mulch helps conserve moisture and suppress weeds

6. ☀️ Sunlight & Temperature

• Prefers 6 hours of indirect or filtered sunlight

• Can tolerate full sun in cooler climates

• In hot regions, offer partial shade during peak afternoon hours

• Not frost-tolerant – protect or lift bulbs in cold areas

7. 🌼 Fertilization

• Apply balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) every 2–3 weeks

• Switch to phosphorus-rich fertilizer when flowering starts

• Avoid excess nitrogen – it encourages leaf growth at the expense of flowers

8. 🛡️ Pest & Disease Control

• Common pests: Aphids, mealybugs, spider mites

• Fungal threats: Soft rot, root rot, mildew

• Spray neem oil + mild soap every 10–15 days

• Maintain airflow and avoid soggy soil

9. 🌸 Blooming & Aftercare

• Flowers appear in 60–90 days

• Captain Redwood blooms in striking deep red shades – great for bouquets and garden beds

• After blooming: Allow leaves to yellow and die naturally

• In cold zones: Lift and store bulbs indoors for winter

10. 🌱 Regrow Tip

• In warm climates: Bulbs can be left in the ground

• In cooler zones:

  • Dig bulbs after foliage dies back

  • Dry and store in a cool, dark, dry place (10–15°C)

  • Replant in early spring for the next season

💮 Benefits of Calla Lily (Captain Redwood)

• Bold, elegant deep red blooms

• Perfect for cut flower arrangements and landscaping

• Low-maintenance once established

• Naturally deer- and rabbit-resistant