Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Choosing the Perfect Spot for Your Cannas
- Understanding Timing and Soil Temperature
- The Best Way to Plant Canna Bulbs Step-by-Step
- Starting Cannas Indoors for an Early Start
- Caring for Your Cannas Throughout the Summer
- Exploring Canna Varieties for Your Style
- Overwintering Your Canna Rhizomes
- Growing Cannas in Containers
- Designing with Cannas in the Landscape
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
Bringing a touch of the tropics to your backyard is easier than you might think. Canna lilies are famous for their bold, architectural foliage and brilliant, jewel-toned flowers. They offer an instant vacation feel to any landscape. Whether you have a sprawling garden or a small sunny balcony, these plants provide a high-impact look with very little effort.
At Longfield Gardens, we want to help you grow the most beautiful garden possible. Cannas are one of our favorite recommendations for adding height and drama to the summer landscape. They are vigorous growers and generally stay healthy throughout the entire season. This makes them a perfect choice for both new gardeners and seasoned experts.
This guide will walk you through the best way to plant canna bulbs to ensure you get spectacular results. We will cover everything from selecting the right spot to the specific steps for planting and care. You will learn how to give your cannas the best possible start so they can reward you with lush leaves and stunning blooms all summer long. For a broader look at planning and growing them, see our All About Cannas guide.
With just a few simple steps, you can transform your outdoor space into a colorful tropical retreat.
Choosing the Perfect Spot for Your Cannas
The first step in learning the best way to plant canna bulbs is finding where they will be happiest. Cannas are sun-loving plants that thrive on heat. They perform their best when they have a location that matches their natural tropical origins.
Sunlight Requirements
Cannas need plenty of light to produce their famous flowers and vibrant foliage. Aim for a spot that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. While they can grow in partial shade, you will find that the flower production is much higher in full sun. The leaf colors, especially in variegated varieties like ‘Stuttgart’ or 'Striped Beauty', also look much more intense with adequate light.
Considering Soil and Drainage
In the gardening world, drainage refers to how fast water leaves the soil. Cannas are unique because they are quite thirsty plants. They love moisture and can even handle "wet feet" better than most other summer bulbs. However, they still need soil that allows for some air movement to keep the roots healthy.
The ideal soil for cannas is rich in organic matter. If your soil is very sandy or heavy clay, you can improve it by adding compost or well-rotted manure. This helps the soil hold onto the moisture cannas love while providing the nutrients they need to grow tall.
Wind Protection
Because many cannas grow quite tall, their large leaves can act like sails in a strong breeze. If you live in a particularly windy area, try to plant them near a fence, a wall, or a group of sturdy shrubs. This provides a natural windbreak that keeps those beautiful, banana-like leaves from tearing or looking tattered.
What to do next:
- Observe your yard to see which areas get the most afternoon sun.
- Check the soil after a rain to ensure water doesn't sit in a deep puddle for more than a day.
- Think about the height of the variety you chose and pick a spot where it won't block smaller plants.
Understanding Timing and Soil Temperature
One of the most important rules for canna success is waiting for the right temperature. Since these are tropical plants, they do not like the cold. Planting too early into cold, damp soil can cause the rhizomes to sit dormant for a long time.
The 60-Degree Rule
The best way to plant canna bulbs is to wait until the soil temperature reaches at least 60°F. This usually happens a few weeks after the last frost of the spring. In many regions, this is the same time you would feel comfortable planting tomatoes or peppers in the ground.
If you are unsure about your soil temperature, you can use a simple soil thermometer. Just insert it a few inches into the ground in the morning. Once the ground is consistently warm, your cannas will sprout much faster and grow more vigorously.
Watching the Frost Dates
Always check your local frost dates before planting outdoors. Even a light frost can damage the tender new growth of a canna lily. If you live in a northern climate with a short growing season, you may feel tempted to rush. Instead of planting early in the ground, consider starting your rhizomes in pots indoors to give them a head start. If you're ordering ahead, our Shipping Information page explains timing by zone.
The Best Way to Plant Canna Bulbs Step-by-Step
When you receive your canna "bulbs," you will notice they are actually thick, fleshy underground stems called rhizomes. These rhizomes store energy for the plant. Planting them correctly ensures that energy is used efficiently to create stems and leaves.
Step 1: Prepare the Planting Area
Loosen the soil to a depth of about 10 to 12 inches. This makes it easier for the new roots to spread out. Mix in a few inches of compost or a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at this stage. This gives the plants a steady supply of nutrients as they begin their rapid summer growth.
Step 2: Dig the Hole
Dig a hole that is about 4 inches deep. If you are planting multiple cannas, pay close attention to the spacing. Smaller, dwarf varieties like 'Orange Punch' or 'Salmon Pink' can be spaced about 1 foot apart. Larger, more statuesque varieties like 'Black Knight' or 'Madame Butterfly' should be spaced 1.5 to 2 feet apart to allow for their impressive spread.
Step 3: Position the Rhizome
Place the canna rhizome in the hole. You might see small bumps or points on the rhizome. These are called "eyes," and they are the points where new growth will emerge.
The best way to plant canna bulbs is to lay the rhizome horizontally in the hole with the eyes facing upward. If you cannot tell which side is the top, do not worry. The plant is very smart and the shoots will eventually find their way toward the sunlight regardless of how the rhizome is positioned.
Step 4: Cover and Firm
Fill the hole with soil so the rhizome is covered by 2 to 3 inches of earth. Gently press down on the soil with your hands to remove any large air pockets. This ensures the rhizome has good contact with the soil.
Step 5: The First Watering
Water the area thoroughly immediately after planting. This settles the soil around the rhizome and wakes the plant up. After this initial soaking, you can wait to water again until you see the first green shoots poking through the ground.
Key Takeaway: Plant canna rhizomes 4 inches deep and 1 to 2 feet apart. Position them horizontally with the growth "eyes" pointing up toward the sky for the fastest start.
Starting Cannas Indoors for an Early Start
If you live in a cooler region, you might want to see blooms earlier in the summer. Starting Canna Lily Bulbs Indoors is a great way to "cheat" the season. This gives the plants a one-month or two-month head start before they ever move outside.
Choosing the Right Pot
Select a container that is large enough to hold the rhizome comfortably. A pot with a diameter of 8 to 10 inches is usually a good starting point for a single rhizome. Make sure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom so the soil doesn't stay too soggy.
Using the Right Potting Mix
Use a high-quality, well-draining potting soil rather than garden soil. Potting mixes are lighter and help prevent the rhizome from staying too wet. You can add a little bit of perlite to the mix to further improve the airflow around the roots.
Providing Light and Heat
Place your potted cannas in a warm spot, such as near a sunny window or on a heat mat. They need warmth to trigger the sprouting process. Once the leaves start to appear, ensure they get as much bright light as possible so the stems stay strong and sturdy.
Moving Them Outdoors
When the weather is consistently warm and the danger of frost has passed, you can move your cannas to the garden. It is a good idea to "harden them off" first. This means placing the pots outside in a sheltered spot for a few hours a day, gradually increasing their exposure to sun and wind over a week. This prevents the leaves from getting "sunburned" by the sudden change in light intensity.
Caring for Your Cannas Throughout the Summer
Once your cannas are established, they are incredibly easy to care for. They are "heavy feeders" and "heavy drinkers," meaning they appreciate consistent water and nutrition to maintain their lush appearance.
Watering for Success
The best way to plant canna bulbs includes a plan for watering. During the heat of the summer, cannas should never be allowed to dry out completely. If the soil feels dry an inch below the surface, it is time to water. In the hottest weeks, you may find yourself watering every few days. A layer of mulch around the base of the plants can help hold moisture in the soil.
Fertilizing for Brilliant Blooms
Because cannas grow so fast, they use up a lot of energy. Applying a balanced fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks will keep the foliage green and the flowers coming. You can use a standard garden fertilizer or a liquid feed according to the instructions on the label.
Deadheading and Pruning
To keep your cannas looking their best, you can remove the spent flowers. This process is called deadheading. Canna flowers grow in clusters on a single stem. When one flower fades, simply snip it off. Once the entire flower stalk has finished blooming, you can cut that specific stalk back to the next set of leaves. This encourages the plant to put its energy into new flower spikes.
Monitoring for Pests
Cannas are generally very tough, but you should keep an eye out for "canna leaf rollers." These are small caterpillars that roll themselves up in the leaves. If you see leaves that are stuck together or have holes in a straight line, you can simply unroll the leaf and remove the caterpillar by hand. Keeping your plants healthy and well-watered is the best defense against most garden visitors.
Exploring Canna Varieties for Your Style
We offer a wide range of canna varieties at Longfield Gardens, including our Canna Assorted Collection, to suit any garden design. Choosing the right variety depends on where you want to plant them and what colors you love most.
Tall and Dramatic Varieties
If you need a focal point at the back of a flower bed, look for Tall Cannas.
- ‘Stuttgart’: This variety is famous for its stunning variegated white and green leaves. It can reach impressive heights and produces delicate orange flowers.
- 'Black Knight': This is a showstopper with deep, burgundy-black foliage and brilliant red flowers. The contrast is absolutely striking.
- 'Inferno': With multi-colored foliage and fiery red blooms, this variety lives up to its name.
Mid-Sized Classics
These varieties are perfect for the middle of a border or as the center of a large container. Browse our Medium Cannas.
- 'Miss Oklahoma': This variety features classic green foliage and lovely coral-pink flowers. It is a reliable bloomer that fits well in almost any color scheme.
- 'Striped Beauty': If you love patterns, this one has green leaves with yellow veins and bright yellow flowers.
- 'Crimson Beauty': This variety offers deep red flowers against rich green leaves for a very traditional tropical look.
Compact and Dwarf Varieties
If you have a small garden or prefer growing in pots, Short Cannas are the best choice.
- 'Orange Punch': A compact plant that stays around 3 to 4 feet tall. It produces cheerful orange flowers with yellow accents.
- 'Salmon Pink': This is another shorter variety that features large, soft pink blooms that contrast beautifully with dark green leaves.
- 'Madame Butterfly': A lovely smaller variety with salmon-pink blooms that look like fluttering wings.
What to do next:
- Group varieties with dark foliage near plants with silver or lime-green leaves for maximum contrast.
- Mix different heights to create a "layered" look in your garden beds.
- Try planting one of the dwarf varieties in a colorful ceramic pot for your patio.
Overwintering Your Canna Rhizomes
In warmer regions (USDA zones 7 or 8 and above), cannas can often stay in the ground all year. In cooler climates, however, you will need to protect them from the winter freeze if you want to grow them again next year.
Lifting the Rhizomes
After the first frost turns the foliage brown, cut the stems down to about 4 inches. Carefully use a garden fork to lift the clumps of rhizomes out of the ground. Be careful not to nick or cut the fleshy rhizomes during this process.
Cleaning and Drying
Shake off the excess soil and let the rhizomes dry in a shaded, frost-free area for a few days. This "curing" process helps the outer skin toughen up, which prevents rot during storage.
Storage Conditions
Store your rhizomes in a cool, dark, and dry place where temperatures stay between 40°F and 50°F. A basement or an insulated garage is often perfect. You can place the rhizomes in a cardboard box or a paper bag filled with slightly damp peat moss or vermiculite. This keeps them from drying out completely without making them so wet that they rot. Check on them once or twice during the winter to ensure they are still firm.
Growing Cannas in Containers
The best way to plant canna bulbs if you have limited space is in containers. Cannas are excellent pot plants because they provide instant height and don't mind the confined space as long as they have enough water.
Choosing the Container
Cannas grow fast and produce a lot of roots. Choose a heavy pot that won't tip over when the plant gets tall. A 12-inch pot is usually the minimum size for one rhizome, but a 14-inch or 16-inch pot is even better. This gives the plant more soil to hold onto moisture.
Planting in Pots
Follow the same planting steps as you would in the ground. Use a high-quality potting mix and plant the rhizome about 3 to 4 inches deep. Because pots dry out faster than the ground, you will need to be very diligent with your watering.
Mixing with Other Plants
Cannas make a great "thriller" in the center of a "thriller, filler, spiller" container arrangement. You can surround the tall canna with "filler" plants like lantana or zinnias, and "spiller" plants like sweet potato vine or petunias. Just make sure all the plants in the pot have the same love for sun and water. For more container tips, see How to Grow Summer Bulbs in Containers.
Designing with Cannas in the Landscape
Cannas are versatile design tools. Their bold texture contrasts beautifully with the fine foliage of ornamental grasses or the delicate flowers of perennials like salvia. For more inspiration, see Fresh Ideas for Growing Cannas.
Creating a Privacy Screen
Because they grow so quickly and so tall, you can use a row of cannas to create a temporary summer privacy screen. Planted along a patio or a property line, they provide a lush, green wall that blocks out the rest of the world.
Water Feature Accents
If you have a pond or a damp area in your yard, cannas are a natural fit. They can even be grown in specialized pots submerged in the shallow edges of a pond. Their tropical look perfectly complements the shimmering water.
Pollinator Appeal
One of the best reasons to plant cannas is the wildlife they attract. Hummingbirds are particularly fond of the bright, tubular flowers. You will also see bees and butterflies visiting the blooms throughout the day. It turns your garden into a buzzing, active ecosystem.
Conclusion
The best way to plant canna bulbs is a journey that starts with a little bit of sunshine and a lot of warmth. By waiting for the right soil temperature and providing plenty of water, you can enjoy a garden that feels like a tropical paradise. These resilient and beautiful plants offer a rewarding experience for any gardener.
At Longfield Gardens, we take pride in providing high-quality rhizomes that are true to variety and ready to grow. We want your gardening experience to be as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. Remember that gardening is an adventure, and each season brings new opportunities to learn and see something beautiful bloom. We stand behind our plants with a 100% Quality Guarantee, so plant with confidence and enjoy the spectacular results.
- Wait for warm soil (60°F) before planting.
- Choose a sunny spot with rich, moist soil.
- Plant rhizomes 4 inches deep with the eyes facing up.
- Water consistently and feed regularly for the best flowers.
We are here to support you with quality plants and practical advice. Start planning your tropical retreat today and enjoy the spectacular show that only cannas can provide!
FAQ
How deep should I plant my canna rhizomes?
The ideal depth is about 4 inches. You want to ensure the rhizome is covered by at least 2 to 3 inches of soil. This protects it from drying out and gives the tall stems a sturdy base to grow from.
Can I grow canna lilies in the shade?
Cannas prefer full sun, which means 6 to 8 hours of direct light. While they can grow in partial shade, they may not bloom as well, and their stems might become "leggy" as they stretch toward the light. For the best foliage color and the most flowers, find the sunniest spot in your garden.
How often should I water my cannas?
Cannas love moisture and should be watered whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. In the heat of summer, this may mean watering every two to three days. If you are growing them in containers, you might need to water them daily to keep the soil consistently damp.
Do I need to dig up my cannas every year?
This depends on your climate zone. In USDA zones 8 through 11, cannas can usually stay in the ground year-round with a layer of mulch for protection. In zones 6 and colder, you will need to lift the rhizomes after the first frost and store them in a cool, dry place indoors for the winter.