Canna lilies have bright blooms and paddle-shaped leaves that add a lot of color to any garden.Cannas are usually grown fromtubers since they are difficult to grow from seeds.Start growing lilies by scrolling down to Step 1.
Step 1: Wait until the threat of frost has passed before planting cannas.
Cannas do not do well in cold weather.When the soil is soft and warm from the sun, it's time to plant cannas.Cannas can be started in an indoor pot if you live in a cold area.For more on how to care for cannas, see Part Three.
Step 2: There is a spot with full sunlight.
Cannas need a lot of sun.A lot of sunlight will allow your cannas to bloom to their full extent.Cannas are known for their bright flowers and colorful leaf patterns.You will have an exquisite garden if you give your plant the sun it needs.
Step 3: There is a place where the soil will drain well.
Cannas need to be able to drain in almost any soil.If you find a good spot after a rain shower, you should check it out.You will have to find another spot if the soil still has puddles after a shower.Cannas like moist soil, but they don't like soggy roots.Adding organic material to the spot will help it dry if you don't have another place to plant cannas.You can raise the level using compost, peat moss, or ground bark, all of which you can buy at your local garden or yard supply store.
Step 4: When choosing a spot, keep the wind in mind.
If you are going to plant one of the tall varieties of cannas, you need to choose a spot that will be protected from strong wind.Cannas stalks can snap or bend in a strong wind.
Step 5: The soil should be loosened to a depth of between 12 and 15 inches.
You can use a garden fork.A layer of compost is 2 to 4 inches deep.The compost will give the soil a boost.
Step 6: A 2 to 3 inch hole is needed for each bulb.
The tuber should be placed in the hole with the eye facing up.For dwarf to medium varieties and at least 2 feet apart for tall varieties, plant additional tubers 1 foot apart.
Step 7: The holes and the tubers should be covered with soil.
Water thoroughly and press the soil down.To settle the soil around the tuber, water the area.
Step 8: There is a thin layer of mulch over the flowerbed.
The mulch will keep the weed population at bay.
Step 9: Keep an eye out for them.
If you live in a cold climate, it might take a week or two to show your head after planting.Cannas need heat to grow.For optimum bloom, apply afertilizer rich in nitrogen to cannas about once a month.
Step 10: Don't forget to water your cannas.
Water your cannas regularly because they need moist soil.If you live in an area with less than an inch of rain each week, you will need to water your cannas once a week.Water whenever you see the soil getting dry.
Step 11: Give your taller cannas some support.
Tie your taller cannas to stakes to help them grow and support their own weight.This is where you can learn how to stake your plants.
Step 12: Pick up dead flowers.
As the flowers fade away, you should remove the dead foliage.If you look for a faded brownish yellow color, you can tell what is dead.Take care that you don't disrupt the living parts of the plant.Don't cut leaves until they are yellow because they will continue to provide food and water for the plant.
Step 13: The cannas should be moved indoors after the first frost.
After the frost kills the foliage of your cannas, you will need to dig up your rhizomes.Cut the plants back so that they are six inches tall.You should let the rhizomes dry for a few days before moving onto the next step, according to some cannas specialists.
Step 14: Peat moss or perlite can be put in a plastic box.
Peat moss and perlite can be purchased at your local garden supply store.Place each bunch of rhizomes in the box to make sure they don't touch one another.If you don't have a plastic box to spare, you can put them in a brown paper bag.
Step 15: Store the boxes in a way that they don't sit on the floor.
A spot with a maintained temperature of 45 to 55 degrees F is ideal.They should be checked on every once in a while.If you notice that the moss is getting dry, lightly spray it with water.You will be able to replant your cannas in the spring, just like you did the first time you planted them.
Step 16: Purchase dwarf cannas for your planter.
The cannas are three feet tall.They come in a variety of colors, such as the bright red Ambassador or the City of Portland, which is known for its salmon color.dwarf cannas tend to grow better when potted because they are larger in size.
Step 17: Good quality soil can be used.
Potted cannas will grow in almost any medium that can be purchased at a garden supply store.Cannas don't do well with soggy roots and could develop mold if the soil is not well drained.
Step 18: Purchase a pot with holes in it.
Depending on the size of the canna you are planting, you will have to choose a container.If you don't know how big your canna is, you can ask someone to help you at your garden supply store.You can plant cannas with other plants in your container, but remember that all of the plants must have the same water and sunlight needs or else they won't do very well.
Step 19: There are holes that are 4 to 6 inches deep.
If you want to fit two or three tubers in a container, make sure that each dwarf or medium rhizome is at least 1 foot away from the next one.If you have a lot of canna rhizomes, make sure that the distance between them is at least 2 feet.Make sure the eyes of the tuber are pointing up.
Step 20: You should water your cannas.
Water your cannas right after you plant them so that the soil will settle around them and they can grow.When your plant starts to grow, keep an eye on the soil to make sure it is not soaking wet.
Step 21: Make sure your cannas get enough sunlight.
If you bring your cannas outside, they can get full sunlight during the warm months.If you choose to keep them inside, make sure they are near a window that provides bright sunlight for most of the day.
Step 22: Before the first frost, put your pot inside.
If you brought your cannas outside during the summer months, make sure to bring them back inside before the first frost.The temperature is around 45 and 60 degrees F.You can dig up the rhizomes and store them in a plastic box.