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

• Hindi: काला लिली

• Tamil: காலா லில்லி

• Telugu: కాలా లిల్లీ

• Malayalam: കാലാ ലില്ലി

• Kannada: ಕಾಲಾ ಲಿಲ್ಲಿ

• English: Calla Lily (Captain Serano)

• Botanical Name: Zantedeschia spp.

1. 🗓️ Choose the Right Season

• Warm-season flowering bulb

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

• Ideal temperature range: 18°C–28°C

• Avoid planting in areas prone to frost

2. 🌱 Prepare the Soil

• Soil Type: Rich, well-drained loamy or sandy-loam

• Mix in organic compost, aged manure, and cocopeat

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

• Raised beds or containers with drainage holes work best

3. 🌾 Planting the Bulbs

• Depth: 2–3 inches (5–7 cm) deep

• Spacing: 8–12 inches apart

• Place bulbs with the growing point (eye) facing upward

• Cover gently with soil and water lightly

4. 💧 Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy during active growth

• Water at the base to avoid leaf fungal issues

• Reduce watering after flowering and during dormancy

• Use mulch to retain soil moisture

5. 🌿 Germination & Growth

• Bulbs sprout in 2–4 weeks under ideal warm conditions

• Provide protection from heavy rains during early growth

• Avoid disturbing the soil after sprouting

6. ☀️ Sunlight & Temperature

• Requires 6+ hours of bright sunlight daily

• In hot climates, give partial shade during afternoons

• Protect from frost – lift bulbs in cold zones post-bloom

7. 🌼 Fertilization

• Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) every 2–3 weeks during the growing season

• Switch to phosphorus-rich fertilizer once buds form for vibrant blooms

• Do not overuse nitrogen — it promotes leaves over flowers

8. 🛡️ Pest & Disease Control

• Watch for aphids, mealybugs, spider mites

• Common diseases: root rot, fungal leaf spot, bacterial rot

• Use neem oil + mild soap spray biweekly for prevention

• Maintain airflow and remove diseased leaves promptly

9. 🌸 Blooming & Aftercare

• Captain Serano produces elegant pink-hued blooms with lush green foliage

• Flowers appear 60–90 days after planting

• After blooming, allow leaves to yellow before lifting bulbs

• Store bulbs in cool, dry places if winters are harsh

10. 🌱 Regrow Tip

• In warm regions: Leave bulbs in-ground year-round

• In cooler climates:

  • Dig up bulbs once foliage dies back

  • Clean and store in a dry, ventilated space (10–15°C)

  • Replant next spring for fresh blooms

💐 Benefits of Calla Lily (Captain Serano)

• Striking pink blooms ideal for garden borders, patios, and bouquets

• Excellent as cut flowers with long vase life

• Easy to grow, naturally pest-resistant

• Adds a graceful, tropical touch to any garden