Question
I was given several Calla Lillies from my father with instructions to bring them inside for the winter. We live in Western Pa., I dug up and brought in the Callas and stored them in plastic bags with some water in my basement garage where temps rarely dip below 50 degrees. The Callas were starting to grow in the bags in the spring. I replanted them but they aren't growing as fast as they were last year, could it be the little rain we have been getting? Not sure what else it could be. My sister forgot to dig them up last fall as well as I missed one and they survived, guess ground didn't freeze.  Thanks

Answer
Hi Brad,
Thanx for your question.  It has been my experience that calla lilies require the soil to be kept moist and warm but not soggy.  They do best when watered frequently, especially when it is very hot as it has been in much of the U.S. this year.  I have had calla lilies survive the winter as long as the ground did not freeze appreciably.  Usually, I let the first frost kill back the callas, dig them up, crumble the dirt off (don't wash them) and then place them in a netted bag so they can breathe.  Place them in a dark, dry corner for the winter where it's not too warm but not freezing (sounds like your basement conditions are near perfect!).  Bring the rhizomes out once the ground temps are above 50篎 and water them well.  Add some bone meal as an initial feeding following the directions on the box.  Although callas enjoy warm weather, they do not enjoy dry soil.  Keep the soil moist but not soggy.  Mulch around the plants with grass clippings, straw or bark to help conserve moisture.  I hope this helps.
Tom