How to grow Calla Lily in the UK
Zantedeschia aethiopica
Calla Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) is a flower that grows well in UK gardens. Loves moist soil — pond margins ideal. Coloured cultivars need lifting in cold areas. This guide covers when and how to sow Calla Lily, the soil and position it likes, watering and feeding, companion planting, and when to harvest.
Type
Flowers
Difficulty
Moderate
Position
partial sun (3–6 hrs)
Sow
spring
Harvest
—
When to sow & grow Calla Lily
Sowing and harvest window through the year (UK):
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr Plant | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Soil, position & care
- Soil
- Rich, free-draining soil
- Soil pH
- 6.0–7.5
- Position
- Full sun and shelter
- Sowing depth
- 10–15 cm deep (varies by type)
- Spacing
- 10–30 cm apart
- Sowing
- Plant in spring after frost; lift tender types (dahlia, gladioli) before winter in cold areas
- Growing
- Water and feed in growth; stake tall types
- Harvest & upkeep
- Deadhead; lift and store tender bulbs/tubers over winter where frosts are hard
- Watch for
- Slugs, earwigs and aphids on soft growth
Companion planting for Calla Lily
No specific companion notes for this plant.
Grow Calla Lily this year
Add Calla Lily to your free 12-month plan and get watering & sowing reminders — no sign-up needed.
Calla Lily FAQs
How much sun does Calla Lily need?
Calla Lily prefers partial sun (3–6 hrs).
Is Calla Lily easy to grow?
Moderate. Loves moist soil — pond margins ideal. Coloured cultivars need lifting in cold areas.