How To Grow Cannas From Seeds

Choosing the Right Seeds

Before planting cannas from seed, it's important to choose the right seeds. Look for pre-packaged seed mixes or buy seeds from a reputable seller. Canna seeds come in a variety of colors, so choose the ones you like best. Keep in mind that some hybrid varieties may not grow true to seed, so read the seed packet carefully.

Starting Seeds Indoors

Cannas can be started indoors in seed trays, 6-8 weeks before the last frost of the season. Fill the seed tray with seed-starting mix and sprinkle the seeds on top. Don't cover cannas with soil, as they need light to germinate. Water the seeds regularly and keep the soil moist. Once the seedlings have grown to about 3 inches tall, they can be transplanted outdoors.

Planting Seeds Outdoors

If you live in an area with a long growing season, cannas can be planted directly outdoors in the spring. Choose a spot with well-draining soil, and dig a hole about 2-3 inches deep. Place the seed in the hole and cover it with soil. Water the seeds regularly to keep the soil moist. If your growing season is short, start seeds indoors and transplant them once the threat of frost has passed.

Maintaining Your Cannas

Once your cannas have been planted, they will need frequent watering and fertilizer to thrive. Water them regularly, being careful not to let the soil dry out completely. Cannas prefer slightly acidic soil, so add a balanced fertilizer to the soil every few weeks. As the plants grow taller, they may need to be staked for support. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new growth, and remove any damaged or diseased leaves.

Harvesting Canna Seeds

Canna seeds can be harvested in the fall, once the flowers have died back. The seed pods will begin to turn brown and dry out. When this happens, carefully cut the seed pods off the plant and break them open to remove the seeds. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place until you are ready to plant them.

Conclusion

Planting cannas from seed is a rewarding experience that allows you to grow beautiful plants from scratch. With a little patience and care, you can enjoy the many colors and varieties that cannas have to offer.