How to Grow Canna
Canna
Canna indica
flowerCannas are tropical or subtropical perennial plants prized for their large, paddle-shaped foliage and vibrant flower clusters in shades of red, orange, yellow, and pink. These bold, architectural plants can reach 2-6 feet tall depending on variety and create dramatic focal points in gardens and borders. They thrive in warm climates and are often grown as annuals in cooler zones or stored indoors during winter.
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 7-11; in cooler zones (3-6), grow as annuals or dig and store rhizomes indoors over winter
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Growth Stages
Dormancy/Storage
November-April (winter months)Rhizomes are stored bare or in slightly moist peat moss after digging in fall, appearing as large waxy tubers with visible eyes
Store in cool (50-60°F), dry location away from frost. Check occasionally for sprouting or rot. In zones 7-9, rhizomes can remain in ground if well-mulched
Sprouting/Planting
2-4 weeks after plantingEyes begin to sprout and young shoots emerge from rhizomes; small white roots develop
Plant after last frost when soil temperature reaches 60°F or warmer. Pre-sprout indoors 2-4 weeks before last frost for earlier blooms. Keep soil warm and moist
Vegetative/Foliage Growth
4-8 weeksLarge paddle-shaped leaves unfurl, creating substantial green structure; plant grows rapidly toward mature height
Water regularly and deeply. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-4 weeks. Support tall varieties with stakes if needed in windy locations. Remove any dead leaves
Flowering
6-10 weeks (continues until first frost)Vibrant flower spikes emerge above foliage with densely packed tubular or claw-like flowers in various colors; blooms appear continuously
Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage continuous blooming. Continue regular watering and feeding. Stake tall varieties for support. Flowers attract hummingbirds and pollinators
End of Season/Harvest Preparation
October-November (varies by location)Foliage begins to yellow and die back as temperatures cool; flowers stop emerging in late fall
In zones 7-9, cut foliage to 4-6 inches after first frost and mulch heavily. In zones 3-6, dig rhizomes after foliage blackens from frost, clean, dry, and store indoors
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick in early morning; use pheromone traps; apply neem oil or spinosad; encourage beneficial insects
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Spray with water to dislodge; increase humidity; apply neem oil or miticide if severe; ensure adequate watering
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Remove rolled leaves manually; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); apply neem oil; maintain plant vigor
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and
Hand-pick; use copper barriers; apply slug bait; encourage ground beetles and toads
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Ensure well-draining soil; avoid overwatering in cool weather; lift and inspect rhizomes; remove affected portions; improve air circulation
Uses
Edible roots and seeds
CulinaryCanna rhizomes are edible starchy tubers used in tropical cuisines, similar to potatoes, and can be boiled, roasted, or ground into flour. The seeds can be harvested and used similarly to other grains in some cultures. [source]
Tropical garden focal point
OrnamentalCannas are quintessential tropical-looking plants that create instant drama in garden design, with bold foliage and vibrant flowers attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. They work well in borders, as specimen plants, or massed in containers and water gardens. [source]
Cut flowers and arrangements
HouseholdCanna flower spikes make striking cut flower arrangements with a long vase life of 7-10 days, adding tropical flair to indoor displays and bouquets. [source]
Hummingbird and pollinator attraction
WildlifeThe vibrant tubular flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators, making cannas valuable for supporting local fauna in the garden. [source]
Traditional herbal uses
MedicinalIn tropical traditional medicine, canna leaves and rhizomes have been used to treat wounds, inflammation, and digestive issues, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cannas are ornamental plants primarily grown for flowers and foliage rather than harvest. Cut flower spikes for arrangements when 1-2 flowers on the spike are open; they last 7-10 days in a vase. Deadhead spent flowers throughout the season to promote continuous blooming. In fall, after the first frost (or when foliage blackens), dig rhizomes in zones 3-9: carefully loosen soil, lift clumps, brush away soil, cut foliage to 1-2 inches, air-dry in shade for 1-2 days, then store in cool (50-60°F), dry location packed in peat moss or sand, checking monthly for rot or sprouting.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Cannas are one of the few modern plants developed through deliberate hybridization; the ornamental cannas we grow today are mostly hybrids created in the 19th century by European breeders, particularly in France
- 🌱 Hummingbirds are specifically attracted to red and orange canna flowers; these colors evolved in the plants' native tropical habitat to signal to hummingbirds that nectar is available
- 🌱 In ancient times, canna rhizomes were used as a starch source and were even grown in Egypt and ancient Rome; the plant is native to Central and South America but was cultivated worldwide by early explorers
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