Growing Canna
From seed From rhizomes Harvesting seeds Overwintering Varieties Pests and diseaseCanna must be the
easiest of
tropical plants to grow in a cool climate. They are grown for
their lush tropical foliage and their flamboyant tropical flowers.
I would classify
them
as a root hardy plant. The rhizomes should survive in the
ground
if protected by a thick layer of mulch. They will not survive
if
the ground freezes solid.
They basically come in two groups. The species canna and the hybrids. Species canna theoretically are naturally occurring plants. The hybrids have been genetically modified. Selectively breed by people who enjoy doing such things. There is a reasonable number of species canna, and a huge selection of hybrids. The canna hybrids have much larger flowers but are rarely available to grow from seed.
Canna can be acquired by the following methods;
1. In the form of seeds (Species canna and a few hybrids.)
2. As a dormant rhizome (root.)
3. As a growing plant.
4. A gift from a friend.
5. Stealing ( This method is largely frowned upon.)
I like to grow species canna from seed. This is due in part to my somewhat thrifty nature. Your canna flowers should provide you with a life time supply of seeds. So after a modest out lay for a packet of seeds you should soon become self sufficient in seeds.
A canna shot simply for your enjoyment...
Canna Warscewiczii in flower
The plant featured in
the above image, is Canna Warscewiczii.
This was
the plant that got me into this whole mess in the first place.
Canna are a very obliging plant. They are quite hard to kill, in fact it is important to crush any surplus rhizomes before composting other wise you will end up with a flowering canna patch in your compost bin. They are quite tolerant of drought although they will not flourish under poor conditions. You may find after a few years that you have more canna plants than you can use or give away. These plants wait patiently, leaves curled, their pots dry as a bone, for their chance to grow. As soon as it rains, the leaves unfurl and normal activity is resumed.
Canna are a very obliging plant. They are quite hard to kill, in fact it is important to crush any surplus rhizomes before composting other wise you will end up with a flowering canna patch in your compost bin. They are quite tolerant of drought although they will not flourish under poor conditions. You may find after a few years that you have more canna plants than you can use or give away. These plants wait patiently, leaves curled, their pots dry as a bone, for their chance to grow. As soon as it rains, the leaves unfurl and normal activity is resumed.
Discover my method
of growing
canna from seed An illustrated guide to growing
canna from seeds including : How to chip canna seeds ready
for sowing. How to plant your seeds. Pictures of young canna plants at
various stages of growth.
Have you bought canna rhizomes by mail order? This link will show you what to do with you rhizomes once you receive them in the post: canna from rhizomes.
Acquiring a growing plant is relatively simple. You simply venture into a plant shop, point and say ' I'll have one of those please.'
Have you bought canna rhizomes by mail order? This link will show you what to do with you rhizomes once you receive them in the post: canna from rhizomes.
Acquiring a growing plant is relatively simple. You simply venture into a plant shop, point and say ' I'll have one of those please.'
| If
you are interested
in saving your canna bulbs or rhizomes over winter overwintering
canna plants
shows you how to lift your plants from the ground.
How to
clean and prepare your canna rhizomes for storage over winter.
How to divide your plants to create new ones. How
to keep
your canna plants safe in the ground over winter and how to coax your
plants back into growth the following season. Harvest canna seeds shows you how to collect your own seeds after your canna flowers have faded and keep growing canna long after the apocalypse... This bit is about the different canna varieties I have grown. The pain and the tears, the laughter and the joy... Canna pests and diseases include aphids, slugs and snails and the canna virus. Find out how to minimise damage from these beasts. |