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How to grow calla lily from seed?

Published in Calla Lily Propagation 3 mins read

Growing calla lilies from seed is a rewarding process that begins with careful preparation and consistent care. Once your calla lily seeds are ready for planting, the key steps involve selecting the right medium and pot, precise planting, and attentive initial monitoring.

Preparing for Planting Calla Lily Seeds

Successful calla lily germination starts with the right environment for your seeds. Choosing the appropriate pot and planting medium is crucial for healthy development.

Essential Materials

  • Well-Draining Pots: Select pots that have adequate drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to seed rot. A good size to start with might be 4-6 inch diameter pots.
  • High-Quality Soilless Medium: A soilless medium is ideal as it provides excellent drainage, aeration, and is typically sterile, reducing the risk of diseases. Options include a mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.

Planting Calla Lily Seeds

Once you have your materials, the actual planting process is straightforward, focusing on proper depth and spacing for optimal germination.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

  1. Prepare the Pots: Fill your chosen well-draining pots with a high-quality soilless medium. Gently moisten the medium before planting.
  2. Place the Seeds: Take the seeds that have started (i.e., are viable and ready for planting). It is best to plant two seeds per pot. This increases the likelihood of at least one successful sprout per pot.
  3. Bury Right Underneath the Soil: Place the seeds right underneath the soil surface. They don't need to be buried deeply; a shallow covering is sufficient for germination.
  4. Maintain Moisture: After planting, keep the soil moist. This is critical for germination, but be careful not to overwater, which can cause the seeds to rot. A spray bottle can help maintain consistent moisture without disturbing the seeds.

Initial Care and Monitoring

After planting, patience and vigilant monitoring are key during the initial germination phase.

Post-Planting Observation

  • Watch for Growth: Continually watch for growth. Germination times can vary, so observe your pots regularly for the first signs of sprouts.
  • Thinning: After a week, you can remove any of the seeds that have not grown. This allows the successful seedlings more space and resources to thrive. If both seeds sprout in a pot, you can thin to the stronger seedling once they have developed a few true leaves.

Ongoing Calla Lily Care

Beyond the initial planting, ensuring the right conditions will help your calla lily seedlings mature into strong, beautiful plants.

Environmental Conditions for Growth

Aspect Ideal Conditions
Light Bright, indirect light. A south-facing window with a sheer curtain or grow lights can be beneficial.
Humidity Moderate to high humidity. Misting occasionally or placing pots on a pebble tray can help.
Watering Keep soil consistently moist but never soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Fertilizing Once seedlings have a few true leaves, you can begin feeding with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks.
Temperature Maintain temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C) for optimal growth. Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.

Transplanting Seedlings

Once your calla lily seedlings have developed a robust root system and a few sets of true leaves, they will be ready for transplanting into larger pots or their final outdoor location, if your climate permits. Handle them carefully to avoid damaging the delicate roots.

By following these steps, you can successfully grow beautiful calla lilies from seed, enjoying the full cycle from tiny seed to vibrant bloom.