Question
Tom...Hello. Saw your response to a question on propagation of calli lillies. Please comment on: 1)How deep the seeds should be planted, 2)How many seeds should be in one spot, and 3)How far apart in the ground should the plants be and 4) How much water should I give them?. I am in San Diego county and will place the seeds in the ground next to the current plant which is prolific. Your expertise is appreciated. Thanks.

Answer
Hi Joseph,
Thanx for your question.  I guess it's kismet.  I will be flying out to Ontario this weekend to spend the weekend in San Diego with my cousin.  We do this about every other year.

I grew calla lilie from seed a few years ago and it was pretty easy.  I take it you're going to start now because even though you're frost-free, the seed need warm temperatures to germinate.  You can make a small seed bed and plant the seed about 1 inch deep about 2 inches apart to start out.  Keep the soil evenly moist but make sure it drains and does not get soggy or the seed will rot.  After the seeds germinate (about 2 weeks) let them grow on to a couple inches high and then start feeding them with 1/2 strength fish emulsion which will help stimulate the green growth as well as the growth of the corm (bulb).  You can move them next spring when they are of a sufficient size.  Now bear in mind that if the seeds are from a hybrid plant, the seedlings will not resemble the parent.  In some cases they may even be inferior and you may not want to keep them but it is fun and interesting to try.  I hope this helps.
Tom