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'Hercules' Calla Lily

Zantedeschia sp.

Getting started -- Before handling seeds, it's a good idea to wash your fingertips, to prevent transferring germs to them.

Soil -- Most ordinary potting soils should work.  The Hercules Calla likes soil that's high in organic matter (compost) but that also drains well.   If you make your own soil mix, use something along the lines of 2 parts well-decomposed compost to 1 part perlite, along with some slow-release organic fertilizer.   

Fill small pots or cups to within an inch of the top with soil and water until thoroughly moist (but not soggy). Then put a seed on top, cover with 1/2" of soil, and water lightly.  Keep the pots between around 60-80 degrees.  They should start to sprout within 1-2 months, however allow up to 3 months for any slow ones.  Most potting soils contain fertilizer, so your seedlings shouldn't need any feeding at least the first month.

Light -- Once they sprout, move them to morning sun, filtered sun, or under a fluorescent bulb (4-5" away).  This Calla doesn't need as much direct sun as most Callas.  They do fine in bright shade with only a couple hours of sun. Protect from strong mid-day sun.

Watering -- This Calla likes consistently moist soil. During warmer or sunnier weather, make sure the soil doesn't dry out.  Avoid keeping the soil soggy all the time however.

Climate -- The Hercules Calla likes cool temperatures away from hot sun.  It flowers best with winter temperatures between about 40 and 65, and summer temperatures between about 60 and 80.  In warmer areas, shade it during the heat of the day and don't plant it where heat can accumulate, like near a sunny wall. 

Repotting -- When the roots poke out of the bottom of the container, it should go in a larger container, or into the ground (mild-winter areas only).  Transplant carefully to avoid disturbing the roots.  Step your way up from 1 gallon to 5, then 15, etc.  For the final pot (assuming you're not going to plant it in the ground), use as big a container as you can.  I recommend 30-40 gallons if possible, to ensure large flowers.  Each time you repot, bury it under an inch or two more soil.  A mature bulb should be under about 5-6" of soil.

In warmer areas, mulch the soil to retain water and don't use a black pot, which can overheat the roots.  It's best to keep the pot shaded, so the roots stay cool.

Winter strategies -- 'Hercules' is root hardy to Zone 8.  Protect it from all frost if you want the leaves to make it through the winter.  This Calla usually doesn't go dormant, like other Callas.  If you bring it indoors over the winter, try to keep some or most of the leaves intact, if possible.  Removing the leaves may delay flowering.  'Hercules' can normally flower throughout the year.

Fertilizing -- The larger your plant is, the more food it will need.  Any balanced vegetable fertilizer should work. Follow the label's recommended dosage.  Cut back on the feedings if your plant goes through a dormant period, and increase the feedings when growth is quick.  Don't try to force more growth with more fertilizer, as this may poison it.  It's normal for some of their older leaves to yellow and die throughout the year, but if it's excessive, it could be from not enough fertilizer, particularly nitrogen.

Bugs to watch for -- Spider mites (tiny "dots" under the leaves), Aphids (green ones are hard to see), snails/slugs.

If any questions or problems come up, feel free to email me.

Have fun growing them!

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