Digging and storing calla lilies in winter: timing and methods

So, autumn is the best time to dig up many tuber-bulbous plants. Of course, heat-loving calla lilies are no exception, because it is especially important for them to ensure proper wintering, and first of all, timely digging and preparation for winter storage.

Next, you will learn about when and how to dig up calla lilies in the fall, where and how to store tubers in winter.

Content

1 Do you need to dig calla lilies in the fall, and when to do it
2 Proper storage of calla lilies in winter
- 2.1 What to do if tubers begin to sprout in the storage area
- 2.2 How to store calla lilies in a pot

Do you need to dig calla lilies in the fall, and when to do it

In the same Central Lane (Moscow region), calla lilies will not be able to winter in the ground with any shelter, so they should be dug up in time and stored in a cool place for winter storage.

As for the timing, it is imperative to dig up the calla tubers. before frost and autumn rains... It's around October when the leaves are already starting to turn yellow.

Note! If the leaves still stand green, then you should still dig up tubers. But don't cut off the leaves yet!

The fact is that in cold and wet soil tubers can rotso they are better dig out early.

Step-by-step instructions for digging calla lilies:

Carefully dig in the bush from all sides and pull it out together with the earthen lump.

Advice! In no case should you pull the leaves, otherwise you can simply pull out the leaves, and the tubers will remain in the ground.

Further, if desired, wash the tubers or shake them off the ground so that they are clean (but you can do this a little later), and then put them in a relatively warm place to dry (on newspapers in boxes).

Wait until the leaves turn yellow and dry completely (= transfer nutrition to the tubers), separate the tubers from the roots.

If the tubers do not separate well, then you need to continue drying.

Everything, you can lay calla tubers for winter storage.

Optionally, before the mortgage for storage, you can pickle the tubers in any fungicide (for example, Maxim) to disinfect them. And then dry well.

Proper storage of calla lilies in winter

What to store?

After drying, the tubers can be put in sphagnum moss, sawdust, wrap in paper (napkins), and then remove in a plastic container, carton or perforated bag (with holes).

Opinions: “I keep the callas wrapped in regular newspaper in the refrigerator on the bottom shelf (vegetable section). They are stored perfectly. "

“I wrap the tubers in napkins, put them in cardboard boxes (for tea) and put them in the refrigerator. I've been doing this for 4 years now, and I like everything. "

Opinions: “I store tubers in a box, covered with sawdust, in a cellar. The tubers are well stored, do not dry out or rot. "

“I dig it up, put it in a big bucket of earth and in the cellar. Sometimes I lightly water the ground so that it does not dry out. And so it has been for many years. Stored well. "

Where to store?

It is imperative to store calla tubers in winter. in dry (if the room is too humid, then the calla lilies will simply rot), dark and cool room: cellar, cold basement, refrigerator (at a temperature of about +4 degrees).

However! Some growers successfully store tubers at home in a closet or warm basement, where the temperature is higher (+8 .. + 12 degrees).

In general, many people recommend digging and storing calla tubers in the same way as dahlias, begonias or gladioli.

By the way! There are articles on the site about the timing of digging and storage methods for dahlias andgladioli.

What to do if tubers begin to sprout in the storage area

Likely, the temperature was too high either became too wet, so the kidneys hatched.

The only thing you can do is transfer the tubers to a cooler place (same refrigerator). In the cold, the sprouts should stop growing.

If growth continues anyway, then you will have to prematurely plant them in a pot for germination.

How to store calla lilies in a pot

If the calla lilies were planted in a pot, then it can be rearranged in a greenhouse (greenhouse) so that the tubers ripen for some time.

And after the leaves turn yellow and wilt, the tubers can be stored in the same pots, removed in a dark and cool room (cellar, basement). In the future, keep without watering.

Important! In winter, in no case should you regularly water the tubers, because they need to "sleep" and watering stimulates them to "work". From this, the tubers are depleted and then they cannot bloom. It is allowed only occasionally to add a little snow or lightly spray the soil with water (if you notice that it is too dry).

Well, now you will find out when to dig up calla lilies for the winter and how to properly store until new. spring planting in open ground.

Video: how to dig up and store callas in winter

digging and storing bulbs and tubers