Flowering Canna: it can also be grown in a pot

The Cannaceae genus comprises about fifty species of tropical and subtropical flora, characterized by broad, ovate leaves and large flowers in sparse, compressed panicles. The cannas grown in gardens are all hybrids, conveniently assigned to the Canna indica species. Featuring voluminous, branched rhizomes, cannas are excellent summer plants for moist, fertile soils .

FLOWERING CANE

The size of flowering cannas is generally quite significant: the stems can reach 200-250 centimeters in height , although for gardens it is preferable to have a variety that does not exceed 150-170 centimeters. There are also dwarf cannas that do not reach 100 centimeters in height.

READ ALSO: How to grow lilies

EXPOSURE AND CLIMATE

Canna indica prefers temperate climates, loves full sun, and the rhizomes can only be left in regions with mild winters. These plants fear frost, which can be fatal to the rhizomes. The best thing to do is grow the rhizomes in pots and then plant them out with the arrival of spring, between April and May.

HOW TO GROW CANES IN A POT

To grow cannas in pots, during the fall, you need to prune them to about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. Store them in pots in a cool, dark place, at a temperature no lower than 10 degrees Celsius.

SOIL AND CULTIVATION CARE

Flowering cannas prefer fresh soil , enriched with plenty of manure and organic matter . If the soil is too loose, a fair amount of neutral peat can be added. To prolong the flowering season, it's best to fertilize every other week with a liquid fertilizer.

WATERING

Watering should be deep and abundant in spring and summer, avoiding waterlogging; watering should be stopped in September to allow the plants to go into dormancy.

SOWING AND FLOWERING

Planting time is April-May, or even June in late spring areas, after germinating the tubers indoors. Flowering occurs from July to October. The flowers are beautiful and range in color from yellow to red, orange, striped, and tiger-striped.

READ MORE: How to grow carnations in the garden and in pots

PROBLEMS AND REMEDIES

No particular diseases or parasites have been reported , but excessive humidity can cause bacterial blight, which causes the foliage to blacken and the buds to die. Any butterfly larvae should be eradicated with insecticides, preferably natural ones.

FLOWERS TO DECORATE TERRACES AND GARDENS:

• How to grow roses at home
• Calendula: the flower that protects the garden
• How to grow and care for irises