What Zantedeschia Want: Part 1

Zantedeschia--a colorful name for a complicated flower.  These lovely, long-legged blooms are commonly referred to as "Calla Lilies," and even though they are not true members of the Liliaceae family, we let them get away with it because they're so darn pretty.

Morning Sunrise "Flaming" Zantedeschia

 
Like most pretty things, Zants can present a growing challenge.  They are quite particular about what they like and don't like.  So last year, we grew them in both greenhouses and hoop houses with the goal to see which growing conditions gave us blooms of the highest quality.   At the end of the season, we found out what Zantedeschia really want.  And what do they want? A one-two combination of diffused light and cool evenings.

  
LIGHT
Light, of course, is essential for all plant cultivation, but most importantly, it's the type of light that really matters.  And what Zantedeschia want is diffused light.  Diffused light simply means that the light is scattered, as opposed to direct.  There are several ways to achieve this, which we will discuss later.  Zantedeschia also want UV light.  You know that lower range of the light spectrum that gives you a killer tan or a wicked sunburn? Well, it also has an effect on the growth of Zantedeschia.  The kind of light as well as its intensity has a huge influence on the color saturation and clarity of the blooms as well as the length of the plant.  

Check out that rich color!

 

TEMPERATURE
Researchers say a little bit of stress is good for the body, though too much can be damaging.  The same goes for Zantedeschia. A little bit of cold stress helps them stretch to their elegant length while also infusing their blooms with intense color. If Zantedeschia are kept at a balmy temperature all day and all night, the intensity of its color will be reduced.  A cooler evening environment is essential for optimum flower production. Cool evenings are what really make the colors of our pink and orange "flaming" varieties more vivid.

Stretching for the sky

So which performed better? Greenhouse Zants or Hoop House Zants? Stay tuned for next week's Part 2 to find out how we gave Zantedeschia what they want (and in turn, give you what you want---the highest quality Zantedeschia you can find!).