Organic calla lilies (Zantedeschia)

Organically grown calla lilies

Callas are also called 'arum lilies' or 'Zantedeschia'. They bloom for a very long time with unique calyx-like flowers, which are actually petals that have grown folded towards each other, and oval-shaped soft leaves with often transparent dots. The plant often comes from a tuber that has several smaller tubers attached to it. The tubers serve as a water reservoir. It needs little water, so place it in a dry spot in the garden, preferably in partial shade.

They bloom from June to September with several flowers per tuber. The spent flowers are pulled from the plant so that it can produce new flowers, and any withered leaves can be removed so that no energy is wasted and new leaves can grow in their place. When the plant has finished flowering, let the leaves die off naturally. This way, the force of the leaf goes back into the tuber. The tubers are removed from the ground before frost and stored in a cool and dry place. If they are in the open ground, they can be properly covered with leaves, straw or jute, for example. The tubers can tolerate temperatures of -10 degrees Celsius.

History of the calla

The calla originates from South Africa. There are 8 known species, including desert and swamp species. (Bloemoloog sells the desert type calla) The Calla 'Aethiopica', for example, is a swamp type, the name means 'growing in the moorland'. Various names have been given to the calla including; Richardia and Zantedeschia. Popularly, the word 'calla' is often said because in England they say 'calla lily' and more importantly, it means 'beauty'!

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  • On this page you will find our organically grown summer flowering bulbs. In summer, the tubers and rhizomes of perennials mainly bloom. Dahlias have tubers but are categorized as flower bulbs.

    Perennials

    Perennials have a life cycle of several years. They survive the winter period by letting their above-ground parts die and storing energy in their roots or tubers. They will emerge again in the next growing season.

    Numerous varieties of perennials are available, varying in size, shape, bloom time, flower color and leaf texture. This allows you to select a wide variety of plants to meet your specific gardening needs and preferences.

    Care of perennials

    In general, perennials are relatively easy to maintain. They usually require regular watering, fertilization and pruning. However, some species may have more specific care requirements.

    Perennials often have different seasonal characteristics. For example, some perennials bloom in the spring, while others bloom in the summer or fall. This means that with the right selection of perennials you can have a colorful and blooming garden throughout the growing season.

    Durable

    Because perennials last for several years, they contribute to the sustainability of a garden. They reduce the need for annual replanting, which is both cost effective and environmentally friendly.

    Perennials can also help improve soil quality. Their root systems help retain moisture, prevent erosion and enrich the soil with organic matter as they die and decompose.

    Tubers

    A tuber is a thickened, underground stem or rhizome that stores nutrients and reserve energy. It is a compact mass consisting of the base of the stem and/or the roots of the plant.

    Tubers accumulate reserves during the growing season, mainly through photosynthesis, and then use these reserves to survive in the winter. They act as an energy source for new growth when conditions are favorable again.

    Tubers have a characteristic structure. They are usually round or oval in shape and vary in size depending on the plant species. The outer layer of the tuber, called the husk, can have different textures and colors. The inner part contains the stored starch and other nutrients.

    There are many flower plants that use tubers as a storage structure. Some well-known examples are dahlia tubers, calla tubers, gladiolus tubers and tuberous lilies such as the Madonna lily. These plants usually grow from the tuber and produce flowers, making them favorites in gardens and borders.

    When is the best time to plant tubers?

    Some tubers such as gladiolus and freesias are perennial, but not winter hardy. You only plant this in the ground after the last night frost. It is best to take the middle of May into account, because after the ice saints the chance of night frost is very small.

    It is important to remember that flower tubers thrive best when soil temperatures are optimal. In general, a soil temperature of about 10-15°C is ideal for most tubers. You can check the soil temperature using a soil thermometer.

    Favoring indoors

    You can also choose to grow the tubers indoors from March onwards, which is what we call pre-cultivation. Then the plant has an advantage and blooms earlier. You then place the pot in a bright place in your room and keep the soil slightly moist. As soon as the night frost has passed, the pot can be placed outside or the tuber can be removed and replanted in the ground. In that case, first keep the pot in a bucket of water for half a day and then plant the tuber in the open ground.

    Care of tuber plants

    Tubers can be cared for and propagated relatively easily. They should be planted in well-drained soil and usually require a sunny position. During the growing period they must be regularly watered and fertilized. After flowering, the tubers can be dug up, dried and stored until the next growing season.

    Some tubers can be propagated by dividing them into pieces or by planting so-called 'tubers', small tubers that form around the main tuber.

  • There are many different types of summer flowering plants, including annual and perennial plants, also called perennials. Annual summer bloomers are plants that bloom for only one season, while perennial summer bloomers grow and bloom for several years. One must be removed from the ground before the cold winter and the other, with the right care, can remain in the same place for years.

    When choosing summer bloomers, it is important to take into account the specific needs of the plants, such as water requirements, soil type and care.

    Below we discuss some popular summer bloomers and provide information about which location is best for them.

    Non-hardy perennial summer bloomers

    - Calla: Calla's also known as Zantedeschia's are summer bloomers with graceful leaves and unique flowers. These can be grown in the sun and partial shade.
    - Dahlia: Dahlias are a popular choice for summer bloomers and come in many different colors. They do well in full sun.
    - Gladiolus: Gladiolus are perennial, but not winter hardy. These grow best in full sun.

    Winter-hardy perennial summer bloomers

    - Kniphofia: Kniphofia, also known as fire arrow, likes a lot of sunlight. Place the plant in a location where it will receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. A sunny position ensures that the plant grows and blooms well.
    - Lily: Lilies are perennial summer bloomers that are often planted. These plants do well in full sun and partial shade.
    - Peony: Peonies are well-known perennial summer bloomers. They bloom in the sun, but for longer flowering we recommend a partial shade spot.

    Native summer bloomers

    Native plants are plants that occur naturally in a particular region or area. They are adapted to local conditions, including the climate, soil type and biodiversity of the region. Choosing native summer flowering plants has several benefits, such as supporting native flora and fauna, promoting biodiversity and facilitating gardening with plants that are well adapted to local conditions.

    Some examples of native plants from the Florologist's range include the Allium 'Schoenoprasum' (Temporarily unavailable), also known as chives, and the Liatris, also called splendid scissors or lamp polisher.

    More care tips can be found in the products themselves. Take a look at our organic summer bloomers. Hopefully there is something nice for you.

    Available to order now

    Organic summer bloomers

    Delivery from the beginning of March!

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