Selina

The best place to plant Calla Selina bulbs is in a location that receives full to partial sunlight. Calla lilies, including the Selina variety, thrive in areas that provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. A spot with morning sunlight and afternoon shade is ideal, as it prevents the plant from getting too much heat during the hottest parts of the day. The soil should be well-draining, rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 to 7.0). Avoid areas where water tends to pool after rainfall to prevent the bulbs from rotting. Additionally, make sure the planting site has good air circulation to help prevent fungal diseases. It’s important to plant Calla Selina bulbs about 4-6 inches deep, spacing them about 12 inches apart, which gives them enough room to grow and spread. If you're planting them in containers, choose a pot with drainage holes, and use a high-quality potting mix to allow the roots to thrive.

After Calla Selina bulbs have finished flowering, it’s important to care for them properly to ensure they continue to thrive and bloom the next season. The first step is to allow the plant's foliage to naturally die back. This process can take several weeks, and during this time, the plant is still feeding the bulb with energy to store for the following year. Once the foliage turns yellow or brown, you can cut it back to the ground. If you're in a colder climate, it’s advisable to dig up the bulbs before the first frost and store them indoors in a cool, dry place for the winter. Remove any excess soil and allow them to dry for a few days before storing them in a paper bag or cardboard box in a cool (50-55°F/10-13°C) and dry area. If you live in a warmer climate, you can leave the bulbs in the ground, but it’s still recommended to mulch around the base to protect them from freezing temperatures. In the spring, replant them or bring them out of storage to start growing again.

To encourage your Calla Selina bulbs to grow faster, there are several important factors to consider: soil quality, watering, sunlight, and feeding. Start by planting the bulbs in rich, well-draining soil to ensure that the roots have a strong foundation to grow. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral. Add organic compost or well-rotted manure to improve the soil’s texture and nutrient content. Next, ensure that the bulbs receive plenty of sunlight, as Calla lilies need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow strong and healthy. Water the plants consistently, keeping the soil moist but not soggy, as too much water can lead to bulb rot. Fertilizing Calla Selina bulbs with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 mix, once a month during the growing season can provide the necessary nutrients for faster growth. You can also apply a slow-release fertilizer at the time of planting to support growth throughout the season. Finally, keep the planting area free of weeds, as they compete for water and nutrients, and be sure to space the bulbs adequately to give them room to spread.

Yes, deadheading Calla Selina flowers is recommended to encourage more blooms and promote healthier plants. Deadheading involves removing spent or faded flowers from the plant. By cutting off the dead flowers, you prevent the plant from expending energy on producing seeds and redirect that energy into producing more blooms. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the flower stalks at their base, just above the leaves. It's important to note that while deadheading can improve the plant's appearance and encourage new growth, you should not cut back the entire plant after the flowers have faded. Allow the foliage to remain until it naturally dies back, as this helps the plant store energy for the next growing season. Regular deadheading throughout the blooming period also helps reduce the risk of disease and fungal infections that could affect the plant's overall health.