How to Plant Cannas

Plant canna rhizomes after frost once the soil has warmed, 4–5 inches deep and 1½–3 feet apart, in full sun. They bloom from midsummer until frost.

When to plant
After frost danger, once the soil has warmed. Or start indoors 4–6 weeks before your last frost
Depth
4–5 inches deep
Spacing
1½–3 feet apart, depending on the variety's size
Sun
Full sun; will bloom in part-day sun on a warm site
Water
Keep moist; cannas tolerate occasionally wet soil but rot where water stands
Soil
Rich in organic matter and well-drained

Step by step

  1. For earlier bloom, start rhizomes indoors 4–6 weeks before your last frost, covered with 3–4 inches of potting mix.
  2. Plant outdoors once frost is past and the soil has warmed.
  3. Choose the sunniest, warmest spot you have. Cannas love heat.
  4. Dig in some compost, then set each rhizome horizontally with its growing points up, 4–5 inches deep.
  5. Space them 1½–3 feet apart, wider for tall varieties.
  6. Cover, firm the soil and water well.
  7. Keep the soil moist through summer, especially in hot spells.

After bloom

In zones 7 and colder, cut the plants to the ground right after the first frost and lift the rhizome clumps. Trim any remaining stems to 2–3 inches and let the clumps dry. Store them in peat moss or vermiculite, or wrapped in newspaper in a paper bag or box, cool and dry at 40–50°F, never below 40°F. Replant in spring.
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