Cannas 101

[TundraKev]

Rob

Don't give up on this year. I would try to get some rhizomes now and start them indoors by giving them as much heat as you can short of cooking them. Not a good thing. They really respond to warm temps. You could also buy ones already started at a nursery - more money though.

Another trick I've learned is to grow them in containers. I grow both ways - in the ground and in pots. The ones in pots always out-perform the ones in the garden. First, containers of soil warm faster than the surrounding garden soil. It makes sense because they are exposed to the sun as well as the warm air surrounding the pots. Second, it's also easier to control water and fertilizer in a pot. Cannas like both.

[Orchidzrule]

You could also buy ones already started at a nursery - more money though.

Very true and I'm cheap! If one were sufficiently patient, of course, one could wait until the end of June when nurseries start clearing things out. Bargains can be had then! Trouble is, I'm not as patient as I'd like to be...

Another trick I've learned is to grow them in containers. I grow both ways - in the ground and in pots. The ones in pots always out-perform the ones in the garden. First, containers of soil warm faster than the surrounding garden soil. It makes sense because they are exposed to the sun as well as the warm air surrounding the pots. Second, it's also easier to control water and fertilizer in a pot. Cannas like both.

Great to know! And very welcome news since it was growing in a pot that I was considering! I'm not sure if I'll get around to trying cannas this year or not, but it's definitely on my list of things to try.

Cheers,

Rob

[Piper]

Hmmm...hadn't thought of containers...

Good idea, Kev!

Julie
PS - right now there are twelve of them all over my kitchen counter.

[Piper]

Yahoo! Cannas are off the counter and into their ziploc bags!

ok. grow. grow now. I'm waiting. Hurry up, I haven't got all day.

Julie

[TundraKev]

Now Julie, make sure you keep them warm and not too wet until they really start growing roots. Wouldn't want the babes to rot on you.

[Piper]

hmm...open bags? They're half open now and well watered, but well drained.

Julie

[TundraKev]

If they are well watered, don't close the bags. They really should only be slightly moist until you see roots.

[Piper]

okay - take that as new roots. Some had some old ones. Some have growth just started, but I figured dark until the roots were more evident.

Julie

[Gin]

I went to Lowes today , (bought a small tiller ) they had miniature cannas in pots, not expensive . Just a thought if you are out of room .I finally got my Peruvian *sp* and Lacquer lillies out to the front porch. No more 32 nights I hope . Gin