Cannas are among the most beautiful and colorful flowers you can plant in your garden. Their large, paddle-shaped leaves and vibrant flowers add a touch of tropical elegance to any landscaping.
Cannas are also relatively easy to care for and thrive in hot summer weather, making them a perfect choice for filling in gaps in your summer flower beds. Cannas are an excellent option if you’re looking for a show-stopping plant that will add interest to your garden from spring through fall.
What Are Canna Bulbs
Canna bulbs are a type of rhizome, which is an underground stem that typically grows horizontally. The fleshy, thick roots of the plant are where new shoots and leaves emerge.
In addition to being an excellent visual focal point in the garden, canna bulbs are also relatively low-maintenance. They are typically tolerant of different types of soil and require little fertilizer.
However, they need to be watered regularly, especially during drought. When planting canna bulbs, it is essential to bury them deep enough so new shoots will have room to emerge. With care, canna bulbs will provide years of beauty in the garden.
Hardiness
Canna lilies are beautiful, tropical flowers that can add a touch of paradise to any garden. Though they are commonly sold as annuals in colder climates, cannas are perennials that can survive for many years with the proper care.
The plant’s foliage is only hardy in warm, tropical regions, but the bulbs can withstand temperatures as low as zones 7 to 10. This means cannas can still be enjoyed yearly, even in areas where the ground freezes.
For those in colder climates, storing the bulbs indoors over winter is the best way to ensure they will survive and thrive the following year. With a little effort, anyone can enjoy the beauty of these stunning flowers regardless of their location.
How To Plant Canna Bulbs Indoors
If you want to enjoy the beauty of canna lilies but don’t have a lot of space, planting them in containers is a great solution. And, if you get a late start on your gardening, it’s easy to grow canna bulbs indoors to get a jump on the season. Here’s what you need to know to get started.
Cannas like warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine, so they’re not well-suited for growing indoors in most climates. However, if you have a sunny spot in your home that gets at least 6 hours of sun per day, you can probably succeed in growing canna bulbs indoors.
Start by filling a large pot with high-quality potting mix and placing your bulbs about 2 inches below the surface. Water well and place the pot in a warm location. In 4-6 weeks, you should see new shoots emerging from the soil. Transplant them into larger containers or your garden once they reach about 6 inches tall.
Planting Requirements
Soil
Cannas aren’t picky about soil, as long as it’s rich and well-fertile. They want a good draining, moisture-retentive dirt. Canna plants thrive in consistently wet soil, so put them in regions where water does not pool but the ground retains moisture. Worm castings or compost can be used to improve fertility and moisture retention. Choose a high-quality container mix for potting.
Fertilizer
Canna lilies are beautiful tropical plants that add a touch of paradise to any garden. Cannas, however, blossom better and more consistently when fed on a regular basis throughout the summer. The easiest approach to do this is to use an organic fertilizer rich in phosphorus and mix slow-release granules into the hole when you put the bulbs in.
Finally, top-dress the plants 2-3 times throughout the growing season. You may also offer them liquid plant food when you water. Cannas will benefit from a quality water-soluble fertilizer, liquid fish emulsion, or organic compost tea as food.
Sun
Canna lilies are a beautiful addition to any garden, and their bold colors are sure to make a statement. They thrive in a variety of soils and are adaptable to several climates, but they do best in full sun.
They may endure some partial shade, but they will not bloom as abundantly. They love heat and do well in hot, humid environments. If you live in a hot area, it’s best to put them in a shaded spot to keep them from burning.
The intense rays of the sun can fade the blooms and, in severe situations, burn the leaves. With just a little care, cannas will provide you with season after season of enjoyment.
Water
Keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged when growing cannas is essential. They will live in dry soil as long as they are given enough water. In that case, give them deep waterings weekly, but never let the soil dry completely.
Start Canna Bulbs Indoors: Final Thoughts
Now that you know the basics of starting canna bulbs indoors, you are ready to get started on your indoor cannas. Be sure to start with healthy bulbs and give them the care they need to thrive.
With patience and effort, you will be rewarded with beautiful blooms all winter.
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