How to Grow Golden Calla Lily
Wikimedia Commons
Golden Calla Lily
Zantedeschia elliottiana
flowerGolden calla lily is a tropical perennial flowering plant prized for its striking bright yellow spathe and deep green, white-spotted foliage. Native to South Africa, it produces elegant funnel-shaped flowers that last several weeks and are excellent for cutting. The plant grows from a rhizome and reaches 24-36 inches tall with dramatic ornamental value.
When should you plant Golden Calla Lily in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Golden Calla Lily timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Golden Calla Lily
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Golden Calla Lily blooms
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Golden Calla Lily dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; grown as container plant or tender perennial in cooler zones
Sign up free to see if Golden Calla Lily grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Golden Calla Lily timeline →Growth Stages
Dormancy/Sprouting
3-4 weeksRhizomes are planted and begin sending up shoots. Foliage emerges gradually.
Keep soil warm (65-75°F) and consistently moist. Provide bright, indirect light. Fertilize lightly as shoots emerge.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksStems and leaves develop vigorously. Characteristic spotted, arrowhead-shaped green foliage appears.
Maintain consistently moist soil. Fertilize every 2 weeks with balanced or high-nitrogen fertilizer. Provide humidity and warmth (70-80°F). Ensure good air circulation.
Bud Formation
2-3 weeksCentral flower stem elongates and a spathe (petal-like bract) begins to form at the tip.
Switch to phosphorus-rich fertilizer to promote flowering. Maintain consistent moisture and humidity. Support tall stems if needed.
Flowering
3-4 weeks per flower; successive flowers may bloom over monthsLarge, bright yellow spathe unfurls, revealing the pale yellow spadix (true flower spike) in the center. Flowers are highly ornamental.
Continue consistent watering and humidity. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional blooms. Keep in moderate to bright light. Avoid moving the plant.
Decline & Dormancy
1-2 monthsFlowers fade and foliage gradually yellows. Plant naturally enters dormancy period.
Gradually reduce watering. Allow foliage to die back completely. Move plant to cool (50-60°F), dark location for dormancy period (2-3 months).
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Increase humidity; spray foliage with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe
-
Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap
-
Remove manually; treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap
-
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogging; sterilize soil; remove infected rhizomes
-
Improve air circulation; reduce humidity slightly; remove infected tissue; disinfect tools
Uses
Not for consumption
CulinaryZantedeschia elliottiana is toxic and not edible. All parts contain calcium oxalate crystals which cause oral irritation and potential internal harm if ingested. [source]
Cut flowers and floral arrangements
CraftGolden calla lilies are highly prized by florists for their sculptural form and striking golden-yellow color. They add dramatic elegance to bouquets, wedding arrangements, and decorative displays, lasting weeks when properly conditioned. [source]
Ornamental houseplant and garden accent
HouseholdWith its stunning spotted foliage and luminous flowers, this plant serves as a focal point in containers, tropical gardens, and greenhouse collections. Its bold visual impact makes it suitable for modern and contemporary garden designs. [source]
Traditional medicine (external use only)
MedicinalIn traditional South African herbalism, Zantedeschia species have been used externally for skin conditions, though modern use is limited due to toxicity concerns. Any traditional use should be approached with caution and under professional guidance. [source]
Pollinator and hummingbird attraction
WildlifeThe flowers attract bees and other pollinators with their yellow spathe and pollen-rich spadix. The plant's tropical nature makes it valuable for supporting pollinator populations in warm-climate gardens. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flower stems at the base when the spathe has fully unfurled and is still firm. Cut in early morning for maximum vase life. Flowers last 2-3 weeks in a vase. Remove lower foliage from stems. Change water every 3-4 days. Calla lilies continue to produce new flowers if original blooms are harvested.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Golden calla lily rhizomes must experience a dormancy period of 8-12 weeks with cool, dry conditions to reflower successfully; without this rest, plants may fail to bloom the following season.
- 🌱 The bright yellow 'flower' is actually a spathe (modified leaf), while the true flowers are tiny and clustered on the spadix (the central spike), making it botanically more complex than it appears.
- 🌱 Zantedeschia elliottiana is native to the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa and is the parent species for many modern hybrid calla lilies available in commerce.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Golden Calla Lily planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Golden Calla Lily seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Golden Calla Lily timeline →