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Propagating Canna Lily Seeds | A Complete Guide to growing Canna Lilies

Canna Lillies

The majestic Canna Lily (aka Indian Shot) will add a hint of the tropics to any garden. Did you know that they are very easy to grow from seed? Canna Lilies are also non-toxic, and grow incredibly quickly from seed, so an interesting and safe project for children. The following guide will give you advice in propagating Canna Lily seeds.

Canna belongs to the same family as banana, ginger and Strelitzia (Bird of paradise) and grows upright, with Banana-palm-like leaves and flower spikes of pink, red, white or yellow.

If you are planning on a large display, ready-grown potted Cannas from a garden centre can be expensive. This is why growing them from seed makes more sense.

Canna seedlings will establish themselves quickly and may flower in the first year if sown in Autumn or mid-Winter. They will also produce plenty of seeds of their own for next year’s display!

Preparing & planting your Canna seed

You may have noticed that the seed of the Canna Lily is extremely hard and round. In the past, these dark brown/black seeds have been used in the making of jewelry. They are also reminiscent of the shot pellets, hence the name ‘Indian shot’.

Because the seeds are so tough, it’s a good idea to file down small areas of their outer shells before sowing. Do this until the surface becomes slightly lighter, as you reach the inner seed. The seeds will then need soaking for about 24 hours in lukewarm water. After this, plant each seed on the surface of a moist seed compost in pots or deep trays. Gently push each seed into the compost and place inside a tied plastic bag to conserve moisture.

You will then need to place your pots/trays in a dark place at around 20-25C. Check each day for signs of germination. As soon as germination takes place (usually about 10-20 days), remove your pot from the bag and remove to a bright, frost-free position. Maintain a temperature of 20-25C.

When large enough to handle, transplant each seedling into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Harden off and plant out when all risk of frost has passed and space 30cm (12in) apart in full sun.

Growing canna plant seeds Summary

Diseases that affect Canna Lilies

Canna can be susceptible to ‘Canna Rust’, a disease that affects the leaves, has no effective cure and will eventually cause the death of a plant. The sure-fire way of avoiding the disappointment of losing your prized Cannas is to ‘backup’ your supply by growing them from seed. Fortunately, the seed will not carry the virus and growing Cannas in this way is very rewarding.

Transplanting cannas

Perhaps you would like to move your Cannas from one spot in the garden to another? Or, you would like to divide them up? Or perhaps they are becoming over crowded and you want to transplant your Cannas around the garden and share them with your neighbours? I suggest you divide your plants every 4 or 5 years for a richer display. Cannas are pretty tough and can withstand such an upheaval.

Remove any foliage first and lift from the ground. This is best done while the Canna Lily is dormant during Autumn to early Spring. Don’t leave them out of the ground for long. Plant them within a day or so to ensure that they don’t dry out.

If you wish to divide your Cannas up to make more plants, then during early Spring, cut each cleaned root with a sterile and sharp knife. Ensure that there is at least one eyelet per segment. Mix 1 part bleach with 10 parts water and dip each segment in the solution before planting into moist compost in single pots. Keep them in a bright, frost free place. Plant out once the risk of frost has passed and the roots have healthy growth.

Storing Canna Lilies in Winter

Wintering Cannas is not difficult and the roots won’t take up a lot of storage room. Over-winter Canna plants is especially important, if you live in a part of the country that receives sharp frosts during Winter.

In order to keep the plants healthy for the upcoming growing season and to protect them from the cold weather throughout the UK winter, Canna lilies must be stored.

Dig up the Canna Lily rhizomes before the first hard frost, taking care not to harm them. Remove any remaining dirt, if any, and let the rhizomes air-dry for a few days in a warm, dry place.

  1. Trim the foliage: Trim the Canna Lily foliage to a height of 2 to 3 inches above the rhizomes. By doing this, you’ll stop the leaves from getting sick or mouldy while they’re being stored.
  2. Rhizomes should be dried before being stored. Once they are, put them in a container with a mixture of peat moss, sand, or vermiculite. The container should be kept between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit (4 and 10 degrees Celsius) in a cool, dry environment. The rhizomes must not freeze.
  3. Regularly inspect the rhizomes: During storage, regularly inspect the rhizomes and discard those that exhibit rot or deterioration.

FAQs Concerning Canna Lilies

What is the best soil type for growing Canna Lilies?

A well-draining soil mixture rich in organic matter is the ideal soil type for growing Canna lilies. This kind of soil encourages healthy root growth while also assisting the plant in maintaining moisture and nutrients. Garden soil, sand, and compost or peat moss combined in equal portions provide a nice soil mixture for Canna lilies.

How much sunlight does a Canna Lily need to grow?

For Canna lilies to grow and thrive, they require at least 6 hours a day of direct sunlight. They can withstand little shade, but if they get less than six hours of direct sunlight each day, they will flower less and become smaller. It’s critical to pick a site that receives adequate sunshine to promote wholesome plant development.

How often should I water my Canna Lilies?

While Canna Lilies require constant moisture, they cannot stand in water. Once a week, give your plants a thorough deep watering, or more frequently if the soil starts to get dry. Also, check the soil’s drainage to ensure that water doesn’t collect around the roots. It’s crucial to be careful with the watering schedule because it can cause root rot, which can be harmful to the plant.

How do I propagate Canna Lilies?

Rhizomes of Canna lilies can be divided, or seeds can be sown. Simply cut the clumps of rhizomes into smaller sections, making sure that each section has many roots and at least one eye (growing point). Replant the divisions in a soil mixture that drains well, and give them plenty of water until established.

When is the best time to plant Canna Lilies?

After the final date of frost in the spring is the ideal time to plant canna lilies. Canna lilies can also be planted in autumn if you live in a warm climate. When planting, be sure to pick a spot with well-draining soil and at least six hours of daily direct sunlight. After planting, give the plants plenty of water, and keep providing it on a regular basis to encourage healthy growth.

Don’t forget to enjoy your Canna Lily plants. They are my personal favourite and I look forward each year, to seeing their lush leaves and showy flowers. For more information regarding Canna Lilies, visit the RHS page on this topic. You can also read this other article I wrote on the topic of Canna Lilies.

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