In cooler areas they grow best in full sun. Calla lily bulbs should be planted 2 to 4 ” deep and about 6” apart. After planting, it may take 2 weeks or more for the first shoots to appear. Once that happens, the plants will grow quickly.
Calla lilies can suffer from sunburn if they are exposed to too much harsh afternoon sun. This can happen in hot dry climates where the sun is hot and the soils are drier. In this case it is best to plant calla lilies in a position that gets protection from afternoon sun.
Can calla lilies be planted in shade?
Calla lilies (Zantedeschia spp.), with their dramatic cup-shaped blooms, are used in many summertime gardens. Their light requirements are not specific, and they can be planted in sun as well as shade. Winter hardy to U. S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 and 10, they can be grown either outdoors or in containers.
Calla lilies should be fed once a month with a balanced general purpose fertilizer. They do not require feeding while dormant, but if you are not fertilizing them regularly the rest of the time, you should start. Callas also require full sun. Indoor plants can yellow from insufficient light.
Like most plants, calla lilies should be grown in well-drained soil. When the rhizomes are first planted, it’s important not to overwater them. Once the plants have a few leaves, you can begin watering them as needed. In warm areas, calla lilies grow well in full sun or partial shade.
How much sun do lily plants need?
Lilies need sun a good amount of sun to thrive. A single mature lily plant can produce dozens of flowers during the summer. The flowers need to open in direct sunlight or in partial shade. While flowering it is optimum that the lilies receive a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight.