Also known as Calla Lily · 56 gardener saves

Zantedeschia: the varieties gardeners actually grow

Zantedeschia, the genus most gardeners know as calla lily. We track 16 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.

16 varietiesZones 7–10Mostly full sun

The 12 most-saved Zantedeschia varieties

Of 16 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.

Browse all 16 Zantedeschia varieties →

How to grow Zantedeschia

What the Zantedeschia varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 16 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.

The Zantedeschia year

  • PlantMarch and April100% of varieties

    Plant rhizomes after the danger of hard frost has passed

  • FertilizeApril–July100% of varieties

    Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during active growth

  • DeadheadMay–August56% of varieties

    Remove spent flower spathes to maintain appearance

  • Winter PrepOctober and November56% of varieties

    Apply heavy layer of mulch over rhizomes for winter protection

  • Lift & StoreSeptember–November44% of varieties

    Dig rhizomes after first frost, dry, and store in a cool, dark place

  • DivideFebruary and March31% of varieties

    Divide congested clumps every 3-5 years

Do

  • Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
  • Provide partial shade in hot climates
  • Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
  • Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
  • Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season

Avoid

  • Avoid overwatering to prevent rhizome rot ❌
  • Don’t expose to full sun in hot climates
  • Do not expose to frost; bring indoors if necessary
  • Avoid planting in heavy clay soil without amendments

What goes wrong with Zantedeschia

ProblemWhat you'll seeWhat to do
AphidsSticky residue on leaves, distorted growthSpray with neem oil or insecticidal soap
Spider mitesFine webbing and speckled foliageIncrease humidity and spray with insecticidal soap
Root rotWilting and blackened rhizomesEnsure well-draining soil and reduce watering
Spider MitesFine webbing and speckled leavesUse insecticidal soap and increase humidity
Root rotWilting, blackened rootsImprove drainage and reduce watering
Rhizome rotSoft, decayed rhizomes with foul smellEnsure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering
Root RotYellowing leaves and mushy rhizomesImprove drainage and reduce watering

Making more Zantedeschia

Rhizome division

  1. Dig up mature rhizomes in late winter
  2. Cut into sections with at least one eye each
  3. Allow cut surfaces to callus for 24 hours
  4. Plant sections 4 inches deep in prepared soil
  5. Water thoroughly and keep moist for 2 weeks

Seed propagation

  1. Collect seeds after flowering and clean thoroughly
  2. Sow seeds in moist, well-draining soil in early spring
  3. Maintain warm temperature for germination (about 70°F)
  4. Germination occurs in 4-6 weeks

Zantedeschia questions

How many types of Zantedeschia are there?

The Sow catalog tracks 16 distinct Zantedeschia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 56 real gardener saves — are shown first above.

What zones does Zantedeschia grow in?

Across its varieties, Zantedeschia covers USDA Zones 7–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.

When does Zantedeschia bloom?

Most Zantedeschia varieties bloom in mid-summer, early to mid-summer, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.

Which Zantedeschia should I choose?

Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.

Keep exploring

Design with Zantedeschia in your own yard

Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.

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