The Canna Lily, often just called Canna, actually gets its botanical name from its roots in the West Indies. Coming from the Caribbean, these beauties are used to a lush, tropical climate—which means they aren’t exactly fans of chilly northern winters. If you want to grow them in your garden, they need a little extra TLC to thrive.
When is the best time to plant Cannas?
When it comes to planting your Cannas outdoors, patience is key. You’ll want to wait until the threat of night frost has completely passed. For most of us, that means mid-to-late May. A good rule of thumb is to wait until after the “Mother’s Day” frost window. If you’ve been starting your Cannas indoors to get a head start, you can begin moving them to the patio or balcony during the day in early spring. This helps “harden them off” and gets them used to the outdoor air before they move into the ground permanently.
Finding the perfect spot
To get those show-stopping blooms, picking the right location is half the battle. Here’s what your Cannas are looking for:
- Full sun (the more, the better!)
- A spot sheltered from strong winds
- Well-draining soil that’s rich in nutrients
Also, give them some breathing room! Depending on the variety, you’ll want to space your Cannas about 12 to 24 inches apart. This goes for neighboring plants, too, so they aren’t competing for resources.
Overwintering your Cannas
As I mentioned, Cannas are definitely not winter-hardy. You’ll need to start your winter prep before the first real freeze hits. If you live in a very mild climate (like some coastal areas or the deep South), you might get away with just cutting them back and covering them with a thick layer of mulch or straw. However, for most of us, the safest bet is to dig up the rhizomes. Once the leaves start turning brown, dig them up and store them in a cool, dry place packed in sand or dry soil until spring rolls around again.
