Canna flowers - season and cycle

Cannas are planted during February- March in the hill and June- July in the plains. Flowers are borne over a 10-12 week period from mid summer to early autumn. In tropical regions, canna spp. often blooms for much of the year and rhizome may be left undisturbed for years but in temperate regions, it is replanted every year.

Propagation of Cannas

Cannas are generally propagated by the division of rhizomes. Suckers are separated from the clumps of rhizome and divided into several pieces keeping the eyes intact. They are divided in early spring in the hills and during June in the plains.

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Plants raised from rhizomes produce identical plants which are uniform in size and colour and flowers within same year. Cannas are also propagated by seeds, but this method is used by breeders for evolving new varieties. Seeds are black in colour and have hard seed coats. Before sowing, seeds are soaked for 24 hours in warm water or seed coat can be chipped to hasten the germination process. Seeds are sown in small pots and are covered. The temperature should be maintained at 21-24 0 c. It takes around 8-12 days for germination. After germination repotting of seedlings becomes necessary.

Lifting and Storage of rhizomes

In tropical regions, canna plants can be left undisturbed for several years but in temperate regions where hard and prolonged frost occurs, the rhizomes may be dug up. After lifting, dry off the rhizomes for a day then remove the old decayed roots and store them in protective area in the saw dust or vermiculite with a little moisture. Check the rhizomes regularly for their moisture content during storage.