Five mistakes to Avoid When Planting and Growing Canna Lilies

[@ChloeGraciela]

Thank you so much. You just saved me money and time as I was going to buy the bulbs and plant them now that it’s June and I’m in New York as opposed to just going to my local nursery and buying the plant to plant in my garden. It might cost more, but at least I’ll have beautiful flowers to enjoy for the summer.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Chloe, unfortunately suppliers will still sell them this late in the year. Even the ones I bought end of February were too dry and failed. I'm waiting for a reply from the supplier. Hopefully I will get my money back. Simon

[@Raytink09]

This was a very helpful video. The tips about how much water 💦 I will consider now. I have two pots I started in April and one tuber started growing out of the bag so I quickly planted 2 in pots outside Mid April. And then one Tuber I kept inside in a pot now in a sunny window but it’s not sprouting yet.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Ray and thanks for watching. I'm glad you found this video useful. Kind regards, Simon

[@Paul-kd3ui]

I planted orange cannas and used a high nitrogen fertilizer, and got 8 ft tall plants huge leaves 15 inches across, swampy wet works great

[@Paul-kd3ui]

"Tropicana"

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

You got your Canna tropicanna to grow up to 8ft! Well done, that's impressive. Thanks for sharing your experience on this. Kind regards Simon and Lorna

[@Paul-kd3ui]

@@walkingtalkinggardeners lots of water

[@waheed53gb]

Where do you live?

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

England?

[@kenwilkins8237]

Never bought a canna,used to bring them back from kefalonia Greece. Now got over 80,they keep multiplying!!!😊

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Ken, you obviously have the knack for growing these. Thanks for your comment. Simon

[@bjbrown6488]

Thank you! I'd like to plant the tubers in a large urn until a bit warmer here in Colorado to get them going.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

You are very welcome, and I wish you all the best in getting a great flowering display of Cannas in the summer. Kind regards, Simon

[@NATURALBEEKEEPERSCOLLECTIVE]

Great video, I agree about them not being the same as on the packet when you buy them. Best to buy them in flower just to be sure. You can also easily grow a ton of them from seeds and pic the ones you like when they flower. I was just going to say when you was saying they are drought resistant that they actually grow better in wet conditions. But you beat me to it when you said you have seen them in pond margins. My parents grow them in Koi pond filters and they get to about 7 foot tall. They are constantly fed with pond water and they make the pond water crystal clear.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Ahhh, that's the trouble with youtube videos - the information comes out sporadically. However, I really appreciate you sharing your information on growing them in koi ponds. But now you have to explain why the fish aren't ripping the plants apart, as in their nature! Kind regards Simon

[@NATURALBEEKEEPERSCOLLECTIVE]

@@walkingtalkinggardeners The koi filter is a box shaped filter that sits at the edge of the pond filled with sand and gravel and planted with marginal plants The water is constanlty pumped into the filter box with the growing plants in. The box shaped filter my parents have is 6ft x 10ft and 17 inches deep. The koi pond is about 31 foot in diameter with a mini water fall leading from the filter. My parents also grow water mint, cat tails, reeds and marsh marigolds in the filter aswell. Its basically an out door aquaponics system that they have built. Great for rooting cuttings aswell. Sorry if you thought I meant planting direct in the pond and for any confusion. If you youtube search aquaponics there are some great videos that will give you a better idea of how it looks.

[@Stephen.Stefano.L]

I find that Stuttgart cannas are the most difficult to get good rhizomes … And they are rarely found in garden centers flowering… And ready for purchase in the US… And most people in my area unless they have sunny, sheltered winter light have to let them freeze over winter or take out the rhizomes … I have large pots and live in the city… So in November, I can just pull those pots into my garage. My favorite are the Tropicana variety.. 😎❤👍

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Stephen I agree. A lot of stuttgard is poor quality or in my case wrongly labled! Luckily for us it doesn't get cold enough to kill off ours in the ground. We had -5 Celsius this and winter and even the tender cultivars like musifolia are coming through. Thanks for your comment. Kind regards Simon

[@sonyaluhman4648]

Very helpful Simon, thanks ❤

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

You are very welcome Sonya. Kind regards Simon

[@michaeldenton9946]

I’m in the process of digging my canna bulbs to put into the basement for the winter. I have an unbelievable amount of bulbs. I’ve always said that if you plant a 5 gallon bucket of bulbs, you’re gonna Probably dig up three 5 gallon buckets of bulbs. I must’ve planted five 5 gallon buckets of bulbs this season. I have a giant surplus of bulbs and I am interested in selling them if that is possible. Any ideas on how to go about doing this would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Michael, and thanks for your question. For those I would probably sell on Facebook marketplace as they are quite bulky and postage costs will be an issue. For small, specialised plant material, the best platform, in my opinion, is Etsy. Kind regards, Simon

[@BruceP-ko9fn]

Simon I have been growing my cannas in pots and have been reasonably successful. Is it necessary to repot as the tubers are almost filling the pots. I am overwintering in a green house Thanks Bruce

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Bruce, and thanks for your question. Yes, I would definitely pot those on. Simon 🙂

[@AngieWilkins-h3k]

MY CANNA LILLY ARE ALMOST 6FT TALL AND NO FLOWER ITS ALMOST END OF AUGUST when do you think it will flower

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Andgie, there are a lot of factors to consider such as what country you are in, is it in sun or shade, is the soil moist, dry, which cultivar it us etc. If you are in the UK then it hasn't been good weather for them.so they are flowering late this year. I have only had a couple of cultivars flowers either one just putting out its flower bud today. Hopefully yours will bloom in the next few weeks. Give it some water during the hot weather and cut back any shading foliage. Simon

[@kenwilkins8237]

They like alot of food,alot of sun and alot of water.😊😊😊

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Absolutely, Ken.

[@lisacimarik7315]

I am in US zone 9a and was wondering if March is an OK time to separate them. I have to move them to a more sunny spot. Thanks to anyone for help😊.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Lisa, yes you usually separate once you see the new buds forming. This should be anytime from now. Kind regards Simon

[@lisacimarik7315]

@@walkingtalkinggardeners thank you so much! Blessings

[@SMURF150R]

Trying to take care of a plant right now

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

It's a great choice. Simon

[@daverichards4415]

Hi Simon. I have had a yellow canna for about 8 years. I have never had any issues. I live in Gloucester UK , and grow them in pots. I split them every year and give away the excess. This year I have encountered, what I believe to be the Canna leaf roller. It has decimated my beautiful plants. I have been in hospital so didn't see the damage until I came home. What, if anything, can I do? Every single leaf is affected. Many thanks. Dave

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Dave, I get this every year, so I feel your pain. However it's usually only the first couple of leaves that are effective, and any subsequent growth comes through unaffected. However, you can treat Bacillus thuringiensis. Kind regards, Simon

[@elizabethr2908]

Mine are growing in my waterfall bog filter along with elephant ears in my koi pond. They grow in nothing but pea gravel and pond water. The fish waste fertilizes the cannas and the elephant ears. Works like nature intended ❤

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Elizabeth it sounds like you have achieved gardening balance and harmony. Well done. Simon

[@Kuldip-tl1ug]

This plant grew naturally in my whole garden, i counted it and i found 22 plants! Also this happened within these few days (about 3 months only) i am curious how did it grew so much in just these much days!

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Your garden is either ideally suited to growing canna lilies or someone has been planting them without you knowing! It's one of those two. Simon

[@annefernandez9417]

@@walkingtalkinggardeners😂

[@cocofluff]

I have ordered Stuttgart from three different companies over the past two years, and have never received it. I always get a different canna. I'm beginning to think Stuttgart doesn't exist. It's insane that these companies cannot guarantee you will receive the plant you ordered. I will only purchase cannas now if I can find them flowering at a local nursery.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Coco, I do see it around occasionally in other gardens, but it does seem to go brown on the white leaf pigmentation so I'm not so sure I want one now. However if I do se a good one I'm having it. Simon

[@jrrj-vf4jb]

Hello There, are they deer resistant? Thank Yoy

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi there, and thanks for the question. Yes, in general, deer will leave these alone in favour of other plant species. Simon 🙂

[@MzPrettygrahJay]

Thank you 😊

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Jay, you are very welcome. Simon

[@sharmainecooper2147]

Mine died back a few days ago. What should I do

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

I'm sorry to hear about your canna lily. Depending on what caused it to die will depend on what to do next. If it's a canna virus, then I would dig up the root and destroy. If it's environmental then just resolve the problem before buying new stock. Sorry I couldn't be more specific. Simon

[@TashaBaxter]

Any advice on why my white garden lilies bloomed and suddenly have brown tips?

[@TashaBaxter]

I’m in South Africa and it’s winter (they bloomed for the first time in late June)

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Tasha. Is it Zantedeschia which you have the problem with? Simon

[@TashaBaxter]

@@walkingtalkinggardeners thanks for replying and yes :)

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

No problem, this is likely to be one of two things. Either the soil is waterlogged and has caused root damage which will affect the ability of the plant to absorb water or the soil is too dry. Both instances cause the petals, which are modified leaves, to dry out at the tips, causing them to go brown. I hope this helps. Kind regards Simon

[@TashaBaxter]

@@walkingtalkinggardeners thanks Simon! Most likely the former - should I cut them off from the bottom of stem or leave them?

[@loralemay2670]

This did not tell me why my canna did not bloom. Some are almost 5 feet tall, no blooms

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Are you in the UK? None of ours have bloomed yet as it has not been warm enough. I expect them to start flowering in the next couple of weeks.

[@lizbarrow1696]

I have taken some seed from my cannas. I see that i need to sand the seeds and also need to soak them in water to get them to shoot. I have seen people soaking them in hot water and also cold water. Could you please tell me if it needs to be hot water or just room temp. TIA :)

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Liz, as a rule I usually try and match the conditions of its native environment. So I would use warm water around 25 degrees Celsius. Certainly not hot but anything mildly warm to the touch should be fine. If you can maintain that temp in perhaps a warm airing cupboard, then that would be perfect. Simon

[@lizbarrow1696]

@@walkingtalkinggardenersHey Simon, Thanks so much for letting me know what how to proceed with this. I am going to enjoy watching these sprout. :) I have only just recently discovered the seed collecting bug. Recently I collected some seeds from my tomatoes. Yay free plants. Thank you again. 🪴

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Good luck with your seed propagation. You know I love those free plants. Simon 🙂

[@faustinae3927]

Thank you 🙏 ❤

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

You are very welcome. Simon

[@occamsrazor7939]

Are all canna lillies edible???

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi there, that's a great question but I am not an expert on native American foods. You would be better off asking an expert who specialises in this. Simon

[@bariaissa1737]

Thank you

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

No problem. You are very welcome. Simon

[@maureenlangerfeld8489]

Yes, cannas take lots of water -AFTER you see top growth! If u water alot before that the rhizome can rot😢

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

That's great advice. Thanks for you comment. Kind regards Simon

[@yousefosman9051]

How helpful, thanks alot

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Yousef, you are very welcome. Kind regards Simon and Lorna

[@kristinabliss]

Hi, thanks for your helpful video. Godh you get close to camera! 🥸🤓 I have two early bag tubers sending up growth from the little pots they're in till later Spring. I have heard Cannas can be grown in ponds. Do you know how deeply in pond water they can tolerate?

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi there, yes some cannas can be grown as marginal pond plants but you would have to research the correct species and cultivars. As marginal plants they would be planted at the edge of the pond so the pots are just covered or slightly proud of the waterline. Simon

[@human7656]

You should plant them after you buy them, so they don't dry or rot. (I did not know so all of my cannas died last year.😢 [also the same with the year before])

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Human. Yes, that is exactly right. Buy them as soon as they are available and plant immediately for the best results. Kind regards, Simon

[@lalaabril6452]

Am I the only one tripping off the birds getting shot right out of the sky behind him ?????

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

That's a firework sound effect from youtube audio library! Simon 🙂

[@kevinodom1527]

LOL. I thought the exact same thing. Talking about pest control :). I had just looked away when the sound happened and I had to rewind the video. Can't wait to try some of the techniques in this video with my cannas this winter and spring. Minus shooting the birds. I'll set aside a part of my yard specifically for the birds as I live in town. :)

[@raadiodaysyt]

What type of fertilizer is best for cannas? I looked online (quickly) and saw that 10-10-10 was recommended. Then later, after purchasing, I read that that is the worst? What are your thoughts? Thanks so much!

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hello Radio, I couldn't say which is best, but all of mine are grown in the ground, so they have access to the available micronutrients. I also give them a fortnightly feed of miracle grow over the spring and summer. I would say that too much shade and not enough water over the growing season was more of a limiting factor to strong growth and flowering than your choice of a specific fertiliser formula. Any decent general purpose fertiliser will be fine. You will be able to see the results of my cannas in next month's garden tour video to judge whether I am correct or not. Kind regards, Simon

[@cindiblazer8621]

We had a cold snap last year. They died. The tubers had turned to mush.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

That's a shame. I am a big fan of Cannas. The tubers do naturally gravitate to just below the surface, but you can try planting bear root tubers deeper and dry mulch them over winter. Alternatively, you can lift and repot your own tubers late autumn and keep them in a frost free position over winter as insurance. Simon

[@cindiblazer8621]

@@walkingtalkinggardeners I will get more next spring and dig them up before freezing. I'm doing that with my elephant ears this fall. I live in Tennessee and for the most part we have somewhat mild winters. Thankyou for your reply

[@wacoharder]

Can one trust that seeds from plant will produce same plant. Cannas are easy to grow from seed.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

That's a great question. If you are collecting seeds from true species in their native habitat, then yes, they should grow true from seed. If you are collecting seeds from garden hybrids, then no. Simon

[@SMURF150R]

Degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit? Lma* I’m thinking Celsius

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Smurf. You are correct, it's Celsius. My apologies for not making thst clear. Simon 🙂

[@SMURF150R]

@@walkingtalkinggardeners thank you Simon!!

[@dawnsstar5918]

You couldn't be more right about prepacked tubers.... or bare roots. It is a 1 out of 20 chance in my case anyway. I had bought what I thought were astilbes, I got about six of them, four had perished, probably because I treated them like I would astilbes. Well, the other two grew with the leaves just like astilbes, feathery and beautiful, I expected a flower the second year.... nope. Both are about 5 ft (1.5meters) .... these are no astilbes. They are China berry TREES! And it's too late now after four years, I love them with their rounded umbrella like canopy, and good thing there is enough room for them, too.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

I'm so sorry to hear that Dawn. I can't believe how often this happens. I have had a run of it myself with mail order stock, but I probably wouldn't buy except that my local garden centre all have a really low range of plants. I'm struggling to get anything I like locally. Simon

[@bowlregard9894]

One mistake to avoid when posting a video is zooming in too close to your face.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Sorry about. Unfortunately my sight is deteriorating so I need the camera quite close to see if I am in frame. Plus my arms are only so long when using the gimble 🙂

[@gjhunt916]

Mistakes, Try reading from a script and you won’t have to keep correcting yourself.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Thanks. That's great advice.

[@drholt2]

Zoom in a bit more please!

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Noted.

[@andrzejjakubowski1893]

Canna viruses?

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Yes, canna virus is definitely a concern to keep an eye out for. Luckily, we don't really have it showing much we we are, but sadly, the same can't be said for everyone. Kind regards Simon

[@gillyanne4019]

I don’t like the gun noise 😢

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Gillyanne, my apologies for the gun noise. I hope it doesn't put you off the rest of the video. Kind regards Simon

[@asbosable]

Grow up.

[@lalaabril6452]

Or you can mind your business. The birds getting shot right out of the sky has nothing to do with a lack of maturity. Some people actually have sense and there comments make sense. Yours, does not​@asbosable

[@asbosable]

@@lalaabril6452 hey there! Why don’t you f**k off? Nothing would ever make sense to a cretin like you. You probably don’t even know what sex you are.

[@asbosable]

@@lalaabril6452 grow up.

[@CathyM-uv1it]

The first mistake is calling them canna lillies. They are not lillies at all but are related to ginger.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Indeed, and ginger lily's are also not lily's and related to bananas. Common names can be confusing and rarely have a scientific basis which is why it is preferable to use genus, species, cultivar etc names. But I don't think its a mistake to use them as they are far more familiar, pronouncable and accessable to most gardeners. This is why they exist and are commonplace. However you will find in a lot of my videos I will use both and often explain the meaning behind the scientific names. Great comment. Kind regards Simon

[@Stephen.Stefano.L]

I don’t think he was using botanical terms … but every day usage 😂

[@spookynojutsu]

@@walkingtalkinggardeners”ginger lillies are also not Lillies- but related to bananas” 🤯🤯🤯 that’s bananas!!!

[@ChubbyKittyMeow]

It’s just a made up name. No one would call it Canna indica, too. Chill out

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

😄

[@Antarctica2025]

Yikes, not cool!

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

What can I say? The industry is a little corrupt. Simon