Planting cannas: how to do it

Canna, or Canna , is an impressive, non-hardy perennial with beautiful foliage that adds a tropical touch to your garden. From June to October, this plant also boasts white, yellow, orange, pink, red, or even multicolored flowers.

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The best time to plant canna lilies is in April and May. It's best to start them in pots and only transplant them when they're growing well and the temperature is high enough. Cannas have strong underground stems, also called rhizomes. During the dormant season, you can buy these rhizomes at garden centers or nurseries . In summer, they're sold as potted plants.

Depending on whether you want to plant cannas from rhizomes or as a potted plant, you can choose from one of the methods below.

If you are planting canna rhizomes or tubers in pots, use a large pot of about 20 cm.
Make sure that any shoots emerge just above the ground.
Place the pot in a heated greenhouse or conservatory, water it and wait for the first signs of life.
If there's no longer any risk of frost from mid-May onwards and new shoots have emerged, you can harden off the plant and then plant it out. The cannas will then flower immediately in their first year.

If you buy canna lilies in pots, you can plant them directly in the garden after the Ice Saints .
Immediately afterwards, give them plenty of water and feed the plants with some organic fertilizer granules.

Cannas are perfect for a spot at the back or center of a mixed or tropical border . Plant cannas in rich, moisture-retentive soil in full sun or light shade. Water during dry spells and remove wilted flowers regularly to prolong bloom.

Tip!