Canna Lily Cultivation Methods and Precautions
Canna lily belongs to the genus Canna in the family Cannaceae. It is 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 throughout northern and southern China, but in areas north of Hunan Province it cannot overwinter outdoors. Canna lily has a long cultivation history in China and was called red banana in ancient times. Because of its large, glossy green leaves, bright and beautiful flowers, sturdy and upright plants, vigorous growth, and easy management, 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.” This is how the name canna lily came about. Below, the Qiannong Network editor introduces the cultivation methods for canna lily:
Canna Lily Cultivation Environment
1. It prefers a warm and humid climate, is not tolerant of frost, and the suitable temperature for growth is 25-30°C. It likes sufficient sunlight and fertile soil. In its place of origin it has no dormancy period and grows and blooms year-round. It is robust and highly adaptable, almost not selective about soil, and prefers moist, fertile, loose sandy loam. It is slightly tolerant of waterlogging. It fears strong wind. In spring, plant after frost in April-May. 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 gradually sprout one after another to form new stems and bloom. From June until before frost, it blooms continuously, and the total flowering period is long. The rhizomes can overwinter in the open 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 lily is not cold-tolerant and fears strong wind and frost. It has low soil requirements, can tolerate poor soil, and grows well in fertile, moist, well-drained soil. After the plants wither in late autumn, cut off the aboveground parts, dig out the rhizomes, dry them in the sun for 2—3 days, and bury them in ventilated sandy soil in a greenhouse. Do not water; keeping the temperature above 5°C is enough for safe overwintering.
Canna Lily Field Planting Management
After late autumn, generally from the end of October to early 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 they will not freeze, or buried in a sun-facing, wind-sheltered cellar in the courtyard, with the temperature kept at 5~8°C. During overwintering, they should be checked 2~3 times to prevent damage from heat or freezing. After there is no frost in the following spring, divide the rhizomes and replant them separately. 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 the following spring when new buds grow. After division and replanting, keep the soil moist at all times and loosen the soil and remove weeds in time. During the growing period, apply topdressing 2~3 times together with watering to promote robust growth.
Canna Lily Container Planting Management
For container planting of canna lily, dwarf varieties should be selected. The potting soil should be fertile. Plant 2~3 buds per pot, water thoroughly after planting, and place in a spot with sufficient light. Before flowering, apply liquid fertilizer once as topdressing. During the growing period, keep the potting soil moist at all times and apply more cake fertilizer water, which can make the plants grow vigorously with abundant leaves and flowers.
Canna Lily Pest and Disease Control
Canna lily has strong adaptability and few pests and diseases, and is very easy to cultivate. Its main pests and diseases include leaf roller and cutworm.
1. Leaf roller
[Pest symptoms] From May to August each year, leaf roller damage is likely to occur, mainly damaging tender leaves and inflorescences, which curl after being damaged.
[Control methods] ① Spray 50 wei dichlorvos 800 times dilution. ② Spray 50% fenitrothion emulsifiable concentrate 1000 times dilution.
2. Cutworm
[Pest symptoms] Cutworms occasionally occur on field-planted canna lily.
[Control methods] ① Handpick early in the morning. ② Use trichlorfon 600~800 times dilution to drench the root soil.