Starting Cannas Indoors or Directly in the Garden

Add some bold beauty to the garden with the help of cannas. The attractive foliage and bright flowers are sure to attract the attention of passersby and the hummingbirds.

Start canna rhizomes indoors for earlier bloom in the garden. Plant them in a pot about a month before the last spring frost. Lay the rhizome on its side and cover with soil. Move to a warm sunny spot to sprout and grow.

Or wait until the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to plant canna rhizomes directly in the garden. Dig a hole about 3 to 4 inches deep. Set the rhizome in the hole with the growing point facing up. Cover with soil and water as needed.

Add a few to the garden or containers and combine with other sun-loving colorful annuals and vines.

Grow them in full sun or partial shade. Provide sufficient water throughout the growing season for best results.

A bit more information: Cannas are hardy in zones 7 to 10 and grown as annuals in other regions. Tropicanna® cannas are known for their colorful foliage with stripes of red, pink, yellow, gold and deep green. The brightly colored flowers add to their season long beauty.