How to Plant Arum Seeds
Arum lilies (Zantedeschia) belong in the family Araceae and include Calla lilies and Lily of the Nile. Their native habitat is the southern regions of Africa. The plant produces long, arrow-like leaves and long flower spathes that range in colors such as white, purple, pink and yellow. Arum lily bulbs are the common method used for propagation, but the seeds will also produce new plants. Considered half-hardy perennials, the plants produce their funnel-shaped flowers in late spring and early summer. Use caution when handling the plant, as all parts are poisonous.
Planting in a Pot
Allow Arum lily fruits containing the seeds to turn brown and dry before picking them. The fruits will develop in the fall after the plant has bloomed and the flowers are spent. Wearing gloves, open the Arum lily seedpods and remove the seeds.
- Arum lilies (Zantedeschia) belong in the family Araceae and include Calla lilies and Lily of the Nile.
- Allow Arum lily fruits containing the seeds to turn brown and dry before picking them.
Fill a small container with warm water and place the Arum lily seeds into it. Allow the seeds to soak overnight before planting in soil.
Fill a planting container with a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic material. Be sure the container has holes in the bottom for drainage. Place the seeds on top of the soil and sprinkle with a light covering of potting mix. Water the container well.
Situate the container outdoors in an unheated greenhouse. Keep the potting mix moist, but not soggy, until the seeds have germinated--about four to 12 weeks. Transplant seedlings into your garden in spring after the threat of frost has passed.
- Fill a small container with warm water and place the Arum lily seeds into it.
- Allow the seeds to soak overnight before planting in soil.
Planting in the Ground
Allow Arum lily fruits containing the seeds to turn brown and dry before picking them. The fruits will develop in the fall after the plant has bloomed and the flowers are spent. Wearing gloves, open the Arum lily seedpods and remove the seeds.
- Arum lilies (Zantedeschia) belong in the family Araceae and include Calla lilies and Lily of the Nile.
- Allow Arum lily fruits containing the seeds to turn brown and dry before picking them.
Fill a small container with warm water and place the Arum lily seeds into it. Allow the seeds to soak overnight before planting in soil.
Choose a location where the soil is rich in organic material and where there is good drainage and full sun.
Lay the seeds on the soil’s surface and sprinkle with a light covering of soil. Water the area to keep it moist until the seeds begin to germinate in four to 12 weeks. Continue to water the seedlings, keeping them moist but not soggy.
- Allow Arum lily fruits containing the seeds to turn brown and dry before picking them.
- Allow the seeds to soak overnight before planting in soil.
Tip
Arum lily bulbs will be true to the parent’s coloration, but Arum lily seeds will not always produce the same colored flowers as the parent plant.
Fertilize Arum lilies regularly with a water-soluble fertilizer.
Arum lilies will work well in butterfly gardens as they attract not only butterflies but also bees and birds.
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References
Tips
- Arum lily bulbs will be true to the parent's coloration, but Arum lily seeds will not always produce the same colored flowers as the parent plant.
- Fertilize Arum lilies regularly with a water-soluble fertilizer.
- Arum lilies will work well in butterfly gardens as they attract not only butterflies but also bees and birds.
Writer Bio
For over 25 years, Joyce Starr has owned businesses dealing with landscape & design, lawn maintenance, specialty herbs and a garden center. She holds certificates in landscape design and xeriscaping. Starr shares her passion for nature in her writing, publishing articles on horticulture, outdoor recreation, travel as well as business.
