How to Grow Canna Lilies? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Cultivation Methods

Canna is a plant of the genus Canna in the family Cannaceae. Also known as red canna, tanhua, popcorn flower, and broad-hearted ginger. It is native to tropical America and India. At present it is widely cultivated across north and south China, but in areas north of Hunan Province it cannot overwinter outdoors. Canna has a long history of cultivation in China and was called red banana in ancient times. Because its leaves are large and glossy green, its flowers are bright and beautiful, and the plant is sturdy and upright, growing vigorously with minimal care, it has always been loved by people. “The banana leaves wave toward the distant sky, the moon-like calyx climbs high reflecting the red sun, just like a beauty waking from spring sleep, with crimson lips and green sleeves dancing in the east wind.” From this comes the name canna. Below, the editor of Qiannong Network introduces the cultivation methods for canna:

The Growing Environment for Canna

1. It prefers a warm and humid climate, is not tolerant of frost, and its suitable growing temperature is 25-30°C. It likes full sunlight and fertile soil. In its place of origin it has no dormancy and grows and blooms year-round; it is robust and highly adaptable, almost not selective about soil, and does best in moist, fertile, loose sandy loam, and is slightly tolerant of waterlogging. It fears strong winds. Plant in April-May in spring after frost. After sprouting, flower buds form at the top of the stem, and the small flowers open from bottom to top. During the growing season, the rhizomes sprout one after another to form new stems that bloom, flowering continuously from June until before frost, with a long total flowering period. The rhizomes can overwinter in the ground in areas south of the Yangtze River, but north of the Yangtze River they must be protected by artificial means to overwinter.

2. Canna is not cold-tolerant and fears strong winds and frost. It is not demanding about soil and can tolerate poor soil, growing well in fertile, moist, well-drained soil. After the plants wither in late autumn, cut off the above-ground parts, dig out the rhizomes, dry them in the sun for 2—3 days, and bury them in well-ventilated sandy soil in a greenhouse. Do not water them, and keep the temperature above 5°C for safe overwintering.

Field Planting Management of Canna

After late autumn, generally from the end of October to the beginning of November, the leaves and flowers begin to turn yellow and wither. At this time the rhizomes can be dug out, the upper branches and leaves cut off, and placed indoors where it does not freeze, or buried in a sun-facing, wind-sheltered cellar in the yard, with the temperature kept at 5~8°C. During overwintering, check 2~3 times to prevent overheating or freezing damage. In spring of the following year after there is no frost, divide the rhizomes and replant them. South of the Yangtze River basin, there is no need to dig out the rhizomes in winter; they can be dug out and divided in spring of the following year when new buds grow. After replanting, keep the soil moist at all times and loosen the soil and weed promptly. During the growing period, apply fertilizer 2~3 times along with watering to promote robust growth.

Container Planting Management of Canna

For container-grown canna, dwarf varieties should be chosen. The potting soil should be fertile. Plant 2~3 buds per pot, water thoroughly after planting, and place in a spot with ample light. Apply liquid fertilizer once before flowering. During the growing period, keep the potting soil moist at all times and apply cake fertilizer water frequently, which will make the plants grow vigorously with abundant leaves and flowers.

Pest and Disease Control of Canna

Canna is highly adaptable and has few pests and diseases, making it very easy to cultivate. Its main pests and diseases include leaf roller caterpillars and cutworms.

1. Leaf roller caterpillar

[Pest symptoms] From May to August each year, leaf roller caterpillar damage is likely to occur, mainly damaging tender leaves and flower spikes, which curl after being damaged.

[Control methods] ① Spray 50 [unit omitted] dichlorvos 800 times dilution. ② Spray 50% fenitrothion emulsifiable concentrate 1000 times dilution.

2. Cutworm

[Pest symptoms] Cutworms occasionally occur in field-planted canna.

[Control methods] ① Handpick early in the morning. ② Drench the root soil with trichlorfon 600~800 times dilution.