Callas: planting and care in the open field, 30 species and varieties, growing in the garden with a photo

Graceful callas have long attracted the attention of gardeners, planting and caring for them in the open field require special attention. Callas are heat-loving flowers that bloom in early summer and bloom until autumn. They like frequent watering, potash fertilizing and do not tolerate frost. They reproduce more often by tubers, which are planted in the spring, and dug out of the ground before the winter cold.

Features and description of the flower

Callas are perennial herbaceous plants from the Aroid family. Wild forms prefer swampy soils, can grow half submerged in water, and are distributed throughout the world.Calla has several names: calla, marsh grass, serpentine. Cultivated mainly African varieties. Calla lilies are grown for cutting for bouquets and compositions, as an indoor flower, used in landscape (street) design.

All parts of the plant are poisonous when fresh. Callas are an unpretentious, shade-tolerant plant. Can grow in sandy, loamy soils with acidic or neutral acidity.

The shoots of the plant are creeping or erect, 25-150 centimeters high (depending on the variety). In some species, the rhizome is creeping, in others it has the shape of a tuber. The leaves are large, heart-shaped, with a pointed tip, petiolate, basal, smooth, shiny. They can be green, solid or have white specks on the surface.

The flowers are located on long bare petioles, consist of a yellowish cob and bedspread. The cob is inside, and outside it is surrounded by a funnel-shaped, bright and large bract-veil, which can be snow-white, yellow, scarlet, purple, pink, orange.

The ear itself is covered with tiny flowers. Callas bloom in summer. Pollinated by insects. The fruits are small, pomegranate-colored berries with seeds inside, ripen a month after flowering (at the end of August or in September). Calla lilies reproduce by seeds or tubers (rhizome division).

Plant classification

Calla lilies differ in height (from 25 to 155 centimeters), the structure of the root system (with rhizomes or tubers) and the color of the bract-spread.

Looking like garden flowers

Calla lilies differ in appearance and color of the bract-veil surrounding the yellow cob. It should be remembered that in all varieties, without exception, the color of the bedspread turns green after pollination. The original color disappears.

Ethiopian

Grown as an indoor and garden crop. Native to South Africa. This is a rhizomatous plant with a snow-white bract-veil and a yellow cob.The leaves are wide, heart-shaped, dense. The spathe is funnel-shaped, expanding at the top, and short-tubular at the base. The height of the plant sometimes reaches 155 centimeters. Used to create bouquets and landscape decoration. Popular varieties: Golden Goddess, Childsiana.

Elliott

Plant with yellow flowers and large, smooth, heart-shaped leaves. Propagated by tubers. The height of the calla is 50 centimeters. The leaves are wide, greenish with white dots. The bedspread is long, yellowish-green on the outside, yellow on the inside. Popular varieties: Selina, Black-eyed beauty.

Remani

Low culture (up to 50 centimeters long) with pink flowers. Propagated by tubers. It has green leaves with white spots. Spends the winter in hibernation. Sheds all leaves in autumn. Known varieties: Bolero, Little Suzie.

Rhizomatous (marsh)

Short plant (25 centimeters) growing in swampy areas. It has a thick, greenish, creeping rhizome located on the surface of the earth. The leaves are heart-shaped, pointed at the top. The cylindrical cob is surrounded by a snow-white inside, flat, ovoid coverlet. Used in landscape design to decorate artificial ponds.

By color variety

According to the color of the bract, callas are divided into white and colored. Whites are descended from the Ethiopian variety. They are taller (up to 150 centimeters long), have a long rhizome, love moist soil, and prefer to grow in partial shade.

The pink callas Remani and golden yellow callas Elliott are considered to be the ancestors of colored plants. The height of such flowers rarely exceeds 50 centimeters, they grow from a tuber. Plants are less demanding on soil moisture, but need good lighting.

Black

A rare variety of calla lilies with maroon or dark purple bracts. The plant grows up to 0.4-1 meters in height, has long, spiky, greenish speckled leaves. Propagated by tubers and seeds. Known Varieties: Black Crusader, Black Star, Captain Palermo.

Reds

Elegant flowers with rich red or slightly scarlet veil. Height - 0.4-1 meter. The leaves are heart-shaped, greenish, white-speckled. Refers to tuberous plants. Popular varieties: Majestic Red, Red Sox, Sunglow.

Yellow

Beautiful flowers with soft lemon or rich tangerine veil. Plant height - 0.5-1 meter. The leaves are heart-shaped, shiny, greenish, pointed. Propagated by seeds and tubers. Known hybrids: Captain Amigo, Captain Cupid, Yellow Giant.

Purple

Graceful purple or lilac flowers wrapped in a narrow tube and widened at the top. Leaves - pointed, arrow-shaped, green, speckled. Tuber culture. Known hybrids: Amethyst, Picasso, Ash Haze.

Pink

Pink flowers hybridized from wild African species. Stem height - 30-90 centimeters. Leaves - oblong, green, grow from below. Propagated by seeds and tubers. Known varieties: Zantedeschia white-spotted, Ethiopian, Zantedeschia Elliot, Rehmania and others.

Burgundy

Plant with a height of 0.4-0.9 meters with a burgundy veil. The leaves are green, speckled, heart-shaped. Tuber culture. Popular varieties: Schwarzwalder, Majestic Red.

White

Snow-white flowers symbolizing purity. Plant height - 50-150 centimeters. It has long, greenish, heart-shaped leaves. Known Varieties: Ethiopian Childziana, Ethiopian Hazmanta, Hercules, Cameo.

Orange

Beautiful flowers with an orange-colored veil. Height - 30-70 centimeters. Leaves - oblong, green, speckled. Tuber culture. Popular varieties: Mango, San Remo.

Blue

Flowers symbolizing peace and nobility. The spathe-bract has a pale blue or deep blue color. The leaves are oblong, heart-shaped, greenish. Known varieties: Ice blue, Teal blue, Merlin blue.

Best varieties to plant

Calla lilies are divided into tuberous (Remani, Elliot) and rhizomatous (Ethiopian). Based on these varieties, a huge number of varieties have been bred. Derived from the Ethiopian variety, the varieties have white inflorescences and tall stems. Tuberous calla lilies (Remani, Elliot) gave rise to short, colorful varieties.

Cantor

Exquisite dark purple flowers like wax. The height of the culture rarely exceeds 60 centimeters. The leaves are greenish, with white dashes. Flowering - from July to September.

Mix

Culture 40-60 centimeters high. It has inflorescences of various shades. Leaves - vertical, spear-shaped. Blooms for one month. Propagated more often by tubers.

Snow Queen

This is a garden calla with snow-white, almost transparent, and greenish leaves along the edges. The flowers stand out spectacularly against the background of white foliage, the bracts of calla lilies are a rich pink hue.

Chameleon

Delicate plant with creamy, slightly pinkish and yellowish flowers. Forms a lush rosette of wide, greenish leaves speckled with white. The height of the culture is no more than 65 centimeters.

Casper

A short plant with a lush rosette of green, arrow-like leaves and bluish peduncles. Propagated mostly by tubers. Blooms from July to August.

Mozart

Plant with a lush rosette of dark green, white-speckled, wide leaves and peduncles with bright orange, slightly reddish flowers. The height of the culture is about 75 centimeters.

Remani

This variety has beautiful pink flowers. The leaves are wedge-shaped, greenish, growing from the base of the stem.

Black star

Distinguished by an interesting maroon inflorescence. The leaves are narrow, like spears. The height of the calla is 60-70 centimeters. Blooms all summer.

Captain Promise

Showy plant with dark purple flowers. Grows up to 55-65 centimeters. The leaves are large, dark green, with occasional light spots. Blooms throughout the summer.

Remann

Lush plant with pink flowers and greenish, oblong leaves. Reaches a height of 40-70 centimeters.

Gold medal

Beautiful, low plant with graceful rich yellow flowers. The leaves are oblong, arrow-shaped. Blooms from July to August.

Rudolf

Maroon, funnel-shaped flower on a long stem. The plant forms a lush rosette of large greenish, speckled leaves and several flower stalks. Height - 50 centimeters.

Mango

A low plant with a lush rosette of large, dark green leaves with small light specks. Flowers are a rich orange color. Blooms from July to August.

Garnet Glow

A beautiful flower 60 centimeters high with a lush rosette of green, large, oblong leaves. In early June, inflorescences of a pale pink hue appear. Calla blooms for almost 3 months.

Paco

Exotic plant with soft purple flowers. The leaves are oblong, dark green, reminiscent of arrowheads. Blooms for 1.5 months, from July to September.

Conditions necessary for the growth and flowering of crops

Garden calla lilies grow only in spring and summer, and in autumn, before winter, tubers or rhizomes of plants are dug out of the ground. This heat-loving culture can be pre-planted in seedlings, and transferred to a flower bed only at the end of May. During the same period, calla tubers are usually buried in open ground.

Lighting

Callams need to be provided with good lighting, in the shade they will grow and develop poorly. The plant easily tolerates partial shade. In the summer midday heat, the leaves need to be covered from the scorching sun. In a too sunny area, as well as in the shade, callas may not bloom.

Temperature

In spring and summer, the optimum temperature for callas is 15-25 degrees Celsius. Plants are transferred to the flower bed only at the end of May, when the air warms up well and the threat of night frosts has passed.

Required soil composition

Calla lilies prefer fertilized, loose, slightly acidic or neutral soil. They react negatively to fresh manure. They can grow on loams, previously diluted with peat and sand. Garden, turf, leaf soil with the addition of sand and peat is suitable for callas.

Humidity

In the summer, callas need to provide abundant watering. In hot weather, it is advisable to spray the leaves with cold water (in the evening). Humidity should be 60 percent or more. True, the plant does not tolerate too waterlogged soil.

Growing a plant in the garden

Calla lilies are usually grown from tubers or by dividing rhizomes. Quality planting stock should be he althy and not limp or shriveled.

Disembarkation dates

Tubers or rhizomes can be immediately planted in a flower bed at the end of May. True, many gardeners prefer to pre-grow seedlings. In this case, the tubers (rhizomes) are planted in separate containers filled with earth in early April. The soil is irrigated with water from time to time. When sprouts appear, they are provided with ten hours of daylight, a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius and regular watering.

According to plant variety

Colored calla lilies of various varieties are planted in a flower bed in the middle or end of May, when the air warms up to 15 degrees Celsius and the threat of night frosts has passed. You can pre-germinate the tubers in containers with soil, and transfer the grown seedlings to the flower bed.

White Ethiopian calla lilies are propagated by dividing the rhizome. In April, they are planted in plastic cups with moist soil. At the beginning of summer, the rhizomes, along with the sprouts, are transplanted into a flower bed.

Depending on growing region

For Siberia, it is desirable to pre-grow seedlings, and in the summer transfer them to a flower bed. In early April, the tubers should be planted in small containers, for example, in plastic glasses. Each root must be planted in a separate pot. For planting use a universal purchased soil for flowering plants.

Water the soil 2-3 times a week. Before transplanting to a flower bed, seedlings are hardened. Every day they take it outside for several hours. Calla lilies are transplanted using the transshipment method: together with an earthen clod, they are deepened into a previously dug hole.

Choose planting material and landing site

Planting material must be domestic, correspond to the climatic features of the region. The size of the tuber indicates the age of the plant. The larger it is, the older the culture. A large tuber planted in the ground is guaranteed to bloom and throw out several flower stalks. Well-lit places are suitable for planting, however, Ethiopian callas feel great in partial shade.

Garden preparation

Before planting, the ground must be dug up well, cleaned of weeds, loosened. It is advisable to disinfect the soil with a solution of potassium permanganate or a fungicide. A week before planting, the land can be fertilized with nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. For 1 square meter of flower beds take 35 grams of ammonium nitrate, superphosphate and potassium sulfate.

Planting tubers in open ground

Tubers are planted in holes dug in the ground, to a depth of 5-10 centimeters. Sprinkle with earth from above and irrigate with water. There should be a distance of 30 centimeters to a neighboring plant. It is undesirable to strongly compact the earth above the tuber or rhizome.

How to properly care for callas

Garden callas need regular care: water them in a timely manner and fertilize the soil. Plants will bloom 4-6 weeks after planting. Pre-grown seedlings will give flowers in June. Garden callas bloom all summer.

Water Regularity

Calla lilies are watered only in the dry season, when it does not rain for a long time. Watering is carried out after 2-3 days. Constantly monitor that the soil does not dry out too much. Water is taken soft, settled, preferably rain. You can acidify it a little with vinegar or citric acid. Rhizome Ethiopian callas prefer to grow in moist soil. Such plants can be planted in partial shade, on the shore of a reservoir.

Spraying

In hot weather, calla lilies can be irrigated with cold water. True, it is desirable to carry out spraying in the evening. You can not irrigate the leaves in the midday heat.

What fertilizer to apply

At the very beginning of growth, the soil is fertilized with nitrogen additives. Before flowering, callas are fed with potassium and phosphorus. You can use complex fertilizers for flowering plants (Good power). Callas are fed 2 times per season.

Loosening the soil

The land near the plants should be regularly weeded, weeded, loosened. Be sure to break the soil crust. You can bring earthworms into the flower bed. They help loosen the soil and enrich it with nutrients.

Pruning callas

To stimulate the formation of peduncles, it is necessary to constantly remove flowers that have already faded. After the callas have completely finished flowering, they are occasionally watered, and in the fall they cut off all the greenery and dig up the roots.

How a calla transplant is done

Adult callas bought in the store should be immediately transplanted into a flower bed. Pre-moisten the earth in a pot.In the flower bed prepare a place for planting, corresponding to the size of the pot. Calla is carefully removed from the container and, together with an earthy clod, is transplanted to the garden. Then the earth is abundantly watered with water.

Main growing problems

Growers may experience a number of problems during the growing process. Callas do not bloom, turn yellow, dry out if you choose the wrong place for planting, do not fertilize the soil, rarely water the plants and do not pre-treat them with fungicides from possible fungal infections.

Why do leaves turn yellow and dry?

There are several reasons why calla lilies may turn yellow and dry out. For example, plants are planted in a too sunny area, and the leaves simply burn out in the sun. Callam may lack moisture.

Leaves often turn yellow due to a lack of nutrients in the soil (nitrogen). If the plant is affected by a fungal infection, it begins to hurt, and the leaves turn yellow and wither. The cause of yellowing may be parasites.

In order to save calla lilies, they need to be watered regularly, complex fertilizers applied on time, and treated with a fungicide solution (Fitosporin) as a preventive measure against diseases.

Calla does not bloom

Many gardeners face this problem. Callas will not bloom if the soil is abundantly fertilized with organic matter or nitrogen supplements. In this case, greenery will begin to grow violently. Flowers may not appear if the tubers or rhizomes are placed very deep in the ground. Callas need to be watered regularly, but it is not recommended to flood the flower bed with water. The area where callas grow should be well lit by the sun. Sometimes flowering may never occur if the variety for a particular region was not selected correctly.

Flower diseases

Callas can get sick. Most often, plants suffer from a fungal infection. Rainy, cool weather, lack of nutrients in the soil can provoke the disease.As a preventive measure, it is recommended to spray the culture before flowering with a biological fungicide. When signs of a fungal infection appear, the plant and soil are irrigated with a chemical fungicide. Diseased leaves are removed.

Anthracnose

Fungal disease. Brown spots appear on the leaves of callas. Subsequently, the plant turns yellow and fades.

Grey Rot

Fungal infection. Grayish spots appear on leaves and stems. Preventive spraying with Fitosporin fungicide saves from the fungus.

Bacterial Rot

Wet bacterial rot appears on corms, stems, at the base of leaves. As a preventive measure, the bulbs are treated with a weak solution of potassium permanganate before planting. Diseased plants are removed from the garden.

Root rot

Burgundy spots appear on the corm. The disease often develops in moist soil. Despite frequent watering, calla begins to fade.

What parasites are susceptible to calla lilies

Beautiful calla lilies and their huge leaves are often attacked by pests. You can prevent the appearance of insects if, before planting plants, the earth is carefully dug up, weeds are removed and, for prevention, sprayed with biological insecticides.

Calla leaves are usually affected by mites, aphids. Wireworm and thrips feed on tubers. Caterpillars of cabbage scoops eat huge holes in the leaves. When insects are found, calla lilies are sprayed with chemical insecticides (Commander, Iskra, Aktellik).

Methods of reproduction

Depending on the species, calla lilies reproduce in different ways. The most popular is propagation by tubers. Ready-made planting material can be bought at the store, and immediately planted in a flower bed at the beginning of summer.

Tubers

Tubers are dug up in the fall, before the arrival of frost. They are cleaned from the ground, washed with cold water and dried.Children are separated from the mother tuber. Small and adult tubers are wrapped in paper and stored until spring at a temperature of 5-10 degrees Celsius. The following season, they are planted separately in a flower bed or in April they are planted in pots for seedlings. He althy tubers should have a firm texture. They will bloom in the year of planting.

Dividing the bush

Ethiopian calla lilies do not have tubers. It has a long root. For reproduction, you need to dig an adult bush, break off young root processes from the edge of the rhizome and place each in a separate pot with soil. The procedure is carried out in the fall. All winter the roots are stored in a cool dark room, in a pot of earth, at a temperature of 5-10 degrees Celsius. In the spring, containers with a rhizome are brought into a warm room and watered. Soon the roots will sprout. The grown seedlings at the beginning of summer can be planted in a flower bed.

Seeds

Seeds bought in the spring should be placed in water with a growth stimulator for swelling for 5-8 hours, and then wrapped in a damp cloth for germination.The rag must be constantly moistened, and after 5 days the seeds will germinate. Sprouted seeds are sown in boxes, in well-moistened soil. Seedlings soon appear. Seedlings are kept in a warm room until May. Closer to summer, plants are planted in a flower bed.

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