I live in northern Wisconsin, I would like to plant calla lily in clay pots and start them in the house in a south window ( 1 bulb per pot) Then place them outside. Is it possible? How soon should I see growth and how soon should I place them outside?
You can start the rhizomes indoors in full sun. Plant them so that the tips is just below soil level, the rough nubby side up. They sould come up in a couple of weeks. Water and keep the soil moist but not wet. Move outdoors when night temperatures are no lower than 50 degrees. The initial blooming time can be 8-14 wks depending on variety and growing conditions. White callas (Zantedeschia aethiopica) take 11-14 wks, cooler temps and need moist soil. Colored hybrid callas (Zantedeschia hybrids) can take 8 wks to bloom and need warmer temps and less moisture.
Calla lilies are summer blooming plants hardy in zone 7-10. They will not tolerate frost. When grown outdoors in cool climates, be sure to dig them up in the fall and store them in slightly moist soil in a cool, dry place for the winter. Calla lilies are not hardy in Wisconsin.
http://hortchat.com/info/potted-calla-lily-care
