🌱 How to Grow Calla Lily (Royal Valentine) from Bulbs
Also known as:

• Hindi: काला लिली

• Tamil: காலா லில்லி

• Telugu: కాలా లిల్లీ

• Malayalam: കാലാ ലില്ലി

• Kannada: ಕಾಲಾ ಲಿಲ್ಲಿ

• English: Calla Lily (Royal Valentine)

• 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–28°C

• Avoid planting in frost-prone conditions — ensure soil is 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 good drainage to prevent bulb rot

3. 🌾 Planting the Bulbs

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

• Spacing: 8–12 inches apart

• Point the growing tip (eye) upward

• Cover with loose soil and water lightly

4. 💧 Watering

• Water well after planting

• Keep soil moist but not soggy during the growing phase

• Reduce watering once blooming slows and plant enters dormancy

• Use drip or base watering to avoid wetting the leaves

5. 🌿 Germination & Growth

• Sprouts emerge in 2–4 weeks under warm, moist conditions

• Mulch helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds

• Avoid disturbing bulbs once growth begins

6. ☀️ Sunlight & Temperature

• Prefers 6+ hours of bright indirect or filtered sunlight

• Tolerates full sun in cooler regions

• In hotter zones, provide afternoon shade

• Not frost-tolerant – lift bulbs in cold climates post-bloom

7. 🌼 Fertilization

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

• During budding, shift to phosphorus-rich feed to promote blooms

• Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers — they delay flowering

8. 🛡️ Pest & Disease Control

• Watch for aphids, thrips, mealybugs

• Fungal concerns: root rot, soft rot, leaf blight

• Apply neem oil + mild soap spray every 10–15 days

• Maintain dry foliage and good airflow

9. 🌸 Blooming & Aftercare

• Royal Valentine blooms in rich romantic red tones with dramatic appeal

• Flowers appear in 60–90 days after planting

• Post-flowering: Let leaves die back naturally

• In cold climates: Uproot bulbs, dry and store in a breathable container

10. 🌱 Regrow Tip

• In tropical areas: Bulbs can stay in soil year-round

• In colder regions:

  • Lift bulbs once foliage yellows

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

  • Replant next spring

💐 Benefits of Calla Lily (Royal Valentine)

• Showy, romantic red blooms ideal for bouquets and gifting

• Long-lasting cut flowers

• Adds elegance to borders, containers, and indoor pots

• Deer- and rabbit-resistant