The care information provided in this section represents the kind of practical advice is available for all the plants in this web site if you subscribe to the monthly customized newsletter Yardener’s Advisor.
Watering
Cannas need 1 inch of water a week from rain or from a watering system. Use a soaker hose to deliver the water directly to the roots. Avoid wetting the foliage, to reduce the risk of diseases. Cannas do well in hot weather as long as they're kept well watered through drought periods. For information on products see the file on Choosing Watering Equipment
Fertilizing
Feed cannas at planting time. Add a handful of granular fertilizer, made for acid loving plants, to each square yard of soil when preparing the bed.
Mulching and Weed Control
To control weeds and conserve soil moisture spread mulch on the soil around the cannas. A 1 or 2 inch layer of chopped leaves, wood chips, shredded bark or other attractive organic material will do nicely. For more information see the file on Using Mulch
Staking
The very tall cannas in exposed locations may need staking to prevent damage from wind or rain.
Propagation
Increase your supply of cannas by dividing the tubers at the end of the season. In early fall, cut away most aboveground growth, leaving 6 to 8 inches of stalks attached to allow convenient handling of the rootstocks. Carefully dig up the rootstocks after the first frost. Pack these in dry peat moss and store them over the winter in a cool dark place at 40 to 50°F. In spring, divide the tubers into pieces, each with at least 2 "eyes," and start them indoors. Plant out after danger of frost has passed.
