Calla lilies are considered to be beautiful even when the plant just has leaves, but when the bold, single petal flowers unfurl, they catch all attention. The instruction below is about how to split calla lilies.
When should you split calla lilies?
How many times you should split calla lilies? It is only necessary to split calla lilies when the clumps start to decline, but if you want more rootstocks to decorate your garden, it’s safe to split them every three to five years. If you divide them too often, they will fail to bloom beautifully.
How to Choose the Right Time to Split Calla Lilies
There are two times to split the calla lilies rootstocks:
+ At the end of winter or the beginning of spring when there are no more threats from frost.
+ At the end of summer or fall when the plants have finished blooming for the year.
Most people like to split calla lilies in spring, especially when the climate is warm and when they can leave the rootstock in the ground for years. In cooler areas, you might like to split the rootstock at the end of summer or fall when you dig calla lilies up for winter storage.
Instructions of Splitting Calla Lilies
It is easy to split calla lilies. Do not lift calla lilies rootstock until the foliage turns brown and pulls away from the roots easily. Slide a shovel under the roots and pry upward to lift the clump. Clean all the leaves that remain and the soil as well. Cut or break apart the rootstock, remember that it is necessary to contain at least one eye in each part. Dry the rootstock for one day aiming at allowing the callus to form over the cut before you replant.
If you live in an area cooler than USDA plant hardiness zones 8 through 10, you should store the rootstocks over winter and grow them in spring. To do so, first let them dry in a well-ventilated place for two to three days. Then dust the bulbs to prevent them from destruction, use your hand or dry paper to clean all the remained dirt. Use a paper bag or newspaper to wrap them. Then, place them in a cool, dry environment which stays around 50 F (about 10 C).
At the end of winter or spring, cut the sections of the plant apart by splitting a spade between them. Remove your chosen sections and replant them immediately. Add soil around the plants and use your hangs to firm it up. Starter may find this way for splitting calla lilies easier since there’s no need to define the eyes.
