Detailed Explanation of Edible Canna Cultivation Techniques and Management Key Points
Edible canna prefers warmth and is not tolerant of drought or waterlogging. Choose a field with deep soil and easy drainage and irrigation. Apply 3000 kg of pig and sheep manure and 50 kg of compound fertilizer per mu, then plow deeply and harrow thoroughly. Alternatively, after plowing and harrowing, open shallow furrows, apply base fertilizer in bands, and cover with soil.
For introducing edible canna, it is best to do so from October to the end of November (it can also be introduced in the following spring, but seed sources are extremely scarce). Planting is best done between the Awakening of Insects and Qingming, with the period from the Spring Equinox to Qingming being optimal. When planting, either one row per ridge or two rows per ridge can be used. The row spacing is 70-90 cm, and the plant spacing is about 50 cm. When planting, dig holes, place the spherical tubers into the holes, cover with soil and press firm, cover the spaces between rows with soil to form ridges, and plant at a depth of 3-5 cm. Seedling raising and transplanting can also be used. Start raising seedlings in late March. The seedling age is about 35 days. Cultivate under plastic film in small arched sheds during clear and warm weather to preserve heat and moisture. Seedlings with 3-5 leaves can be transplanted. Plant 1500-2000 plants per mu.
Edible canna prefers moisture. The field should be kept alternating between dry and wet, with humidity at about 65%, but waterlogging should be avoided. During the tuber enlargement stage, combine watering with digging holes at the crossing points of the four clumps to apply fertilizer. Apply 50 kg of compound fertilizer and 15 kg of urea per mu as a top dressing, and earth up around the clumps to protect them.
The harvest time for edible canna is between Frost's Descent and Minor Snow, but to extend the supply period, it can also be supplied to the vegetable market earlier at the end of September. For storage, dig it up when the aboveground stems and leaves have withered and it is fully mature, and sun-dry it in place for 1-2 days (bring it back in at night if there is frost). When storing, place a layer of edible canna and then spread a layer of loose fine soil. Cover the top layer with some dry fresh rice straw, and finally seal it with fine soil. When the quantity is small, it can be stored in gunny bags.