Also known as Calla Lily · 89 saves
Zantedeschia
Zantedeschia, the genus most gardeners know as calla lily. We track 16 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 16 most-saved Zantedeschia varieties
Species of Zantedeschia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Zantedeschia in Sow
Save the Zantedeschia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Zantedeschia
Whats common across all Zantedeschia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 16 most-grown of them.
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
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue on leaves, distorted growth | Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and speckled foliage | Increase humidity and spray with insecticidal soap |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened rhizomes | Ensure well-draining soil and reduce watering |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Use insecticidal soap and increase humidity |
| Root rot | Wilting, blackened roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Rhizome rot | Soft, decayed rhizomes with foul smell | Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering |
| Root Rot | Yellowing leaves and mushy rhizomes | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Zantedeschia
Rhizome division
- Dig up mature rhizomes in late winter
- Cut into sections with at least one eye each
- Allow cut surfaces to callus for 24 hours
- Plant sections 4 inches deep in prepared soil
- Water thoroughly and keep moist for 2 weeks
Seed propagation
- Collect seeds after flowering and clean thoroughly
- Sow seeds in moist, well-draining soil in early spring
- Maintain warm temperature for germination (about 70°F)
- 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 89 real gardeners — 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 early to mid-summer, late spring to early summer, mid-summer. 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.