Jack's Tropical Food Fertilizer 16-5-25

Planting

Cannas may be planted in the spring after danger from frost. Best results are achieved when planted in a loose, fertile and well-draining soil that has warmed to at least 60 degrees. Here in zone 7 we recommend planting from late March to late April. Adjust this guideline to your zone. Before spring planting, soil can be amended with compost, manure and a high nitrogen fertilizer. Cannas will tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. Cannas love sun and require a minimum of four hours of direct sunlight.

Plant rhizomes 12 to 18 inches apart. Lay the long part of the rhizome horizontal to the earth’s surface with eye up, if visible. This is not critical, as cannas will grow no matter which direction they are planted. Cannas are best planted in shallow, warm ground covered with just about two inches of soil.

In colder regions, (6-8 weeks before spring), bulbs can be planted in pots and placed in greenhouse conditions. When danger of frost is past, remove from pot and plant outside. Cultivate often to keep soil loose and free of weeds.

Watering & Fertilization

Cannas should be watered thoroughly once a week by slowly soaking the area around roots. Cannas are heavy feeders. For optimum performance apply a high nitrogen, foliar fertilizer twice a month. Organic matter turned into the soil, such as composted manure, will provide a great benefit as well. Although cannas will continue to bloom if not dead-headed, cutting old spent flowers and seed pods will make them prettier and neater in the garden.

Insects rarely bother cannas. Leaf-feeding insects and leaf-rolling caterpillars can be stopped by regular applications of systemic insecticide products such as Ortho Systemic Insect Killer.