I planted 10 Stuttgart Cannas two weeks ago, each in individual (gallon size?) pots approximately 14" diameter and about 14-16" deep. From all I've just read, I need to go straight to Sam's club and buy all those big 22" ceramic look pots they have for $10 apiece!
I put high phosphorous fertilizer (actually it's Orchid fertilizer, but why waste it when I have no orchids) on the soil before I positioned each bulb, and I've kept the soil very moist (but well-drained). I water each plant twice, every morning. The Stuttgarts are in a shaded corner of my patio and get no direct sunlight. the reports say ANY direct sunlight will scorch and burn the leaves (I'm treating them like VAMPIRES). So far, 6 of the 10 are out about 5-6" and looking dangerously stout and sturdy. All my pots have drain holes. the only concern I have is the mosquitoes that are laying larvae on top of the damp soil. Someone suggested something called "dunks" from HD or Wally World. I'll check into these for the mosquitos. Nothing bad has happened so far. I'll keep you guys posted on my Stuttgart progress. I'd truly like to hear from anyone else who's growing Stuttgarts.
Linda
canna lily in a pot?
Goodness Linda, you have some wild mosquitos over there! I've never had that problem here, but my pots sit in large flat dishes that fill with water when I water them. I'm careful to make sure no larva are in there. Never had trouble with larva on the soil though.
Ten Stuttgarts? I am green with envy. I can't wait to see pictures of those beauties! I have two Tropicannas that I have in dappled shade. I understand they need some shade too, although not as much as the Stuggarts. They must like it, they have glorius blooms.
Pati
Patti,
Yes they are killer mosquitos. I have raised bulbble welps after a walk on the "wild side!" One of our DG friends recommended the "dunks," and I think they'll work on the problem. I'll just pound a few with a hammer and sprinkle the powder on the soil. Should control the mosquito "urge to merge."
Alas, dear friends, I have NO DIGITAL CAMERA. Have been salivating over the Canon A520 for weeks now. Hope to get one soon, as I am keenly aware or yalls' interest in my new Stuttgarts. Makes me feel like a part of the Canna Family!
Not to worry, though, I'll find a way to send pictures of the babies to all their aunts and uncles at DG! I'll even let you name them for me!
Bernie
I think your shed would be fine, I have found the dark and almost dry is the best. I wash soil off mine but they go into a very cold dark basement and I didn't want any pests to come in. ( my neighbors basement)
The last time I tried waves with my cannas I ended up replanting with lobiela as the petunia's rotted. I have better luck with the waves and my New Zealand flax as it needs a dryer enviroment.
It wouldn't hurt to try and you can always change it ...that is the beauty of containers.
Ann
Ann, thanks so much for responding. I'm sorry I took so long getting back to the thread. Boy is this an active thread! You do realize that I don't intend to un-pot the cannas in Winter; but I do intend to remove it from its water resevoir. Do
I have to prune dead growth or do I cut it back at first hard frost. You can tell I've never grown a cannas before. I bought a red president one from ACE nothing exotic like you guys. I plan to pot up using MG potting mix - or is that too light?
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I plan on making self-watering planters (two bulbs) using those 16 - 20 quart $7.00 tulip shaped plastic planters from WM because that what I have - or is their base too small for the tall cannas?
The barrels I'd planed to use are still occupied by perennials I planted last Summer - I thought they would die over winter because they were containered; but they didn't!
I assume both the Cannas and the petunias will get what they individually need by wicking rather than me watering from the top. I will have to research Lobielas as I've never used them. I've been strickly BB gardening, you know mums, geraniums and petunias. Most of my neighbors know less than I so it been great lurking and watch you guys get charged about your flowers and veggies here on DG. OMG, you're from the GWW- international assistance-WOW! Thanks again and lol.
Bernie
Bernie
Hi
I always leave mine to get frosted then I cut it back to about 6 inches above the soil line. I leave mine outside to dry as well and they naturally go dormant with the darker - colder days.
I am not familar with MG potting soil but I use a soil less mix and add compost and fertilizer.( lots)
I like to have my cannas in a good base pot so when they get tall and the wind blows they don't get blown over.
Maybe you can start them in the tulip planter and move them when your perenials are in a state to move out of the barrel? They seem to take to being transplanted well even when they are bigger.
I don't think there is a plain canna so enjoy cause when they flower all your neighbors will want one!
Hope this helps and maybe someone in your zone will have a good companion plant. I also know that mimulas like wet feet but they maybe a pest in your zone.
Ann
Patti et al,
My Stuttgart babies (six, so far) are a FOOT tall! After 3 weeks in the pots. Looking strong and sturdy.
Ok. I need a DIGITAL CAMERA!
Ann, tullip shaped planter is actually a 18" Milano style planter that holds 1.2 cf of soil (80#). Those barrels are looking too nice to disturb.
My house is East West facing with the back on the E side - the sun shines near the patio from sunrise to about 12:30 (7 hours). The W. side of the house gets sun from 12:30 to about 8:30 (7 hours); but the extreme back of the yard receives sun from 7:30 AM to 8"30 PM (11 hours).
1. Do Cannas like morning or afternoon sun?
2. Is the Milano style planter not large enough for a 6 foot Cannas?
3. Should I only do companion planting in 24" planter?
4. Is now a good time to plant outside in the container?
6. Anyone from IL please jump in and help me?
Thanks in advance,
Bernie
Bernie
Hi
I think your pot may be a bit small but give it a try. I have grown Canna's in 5 gallon containers and they were too small at the end of the year.
My Canna's have am. sun they they are shaded for the hot part of the day and the sun gets them again about 6-9 pm.
I have had my stuff outside for 3 weeks and if the temp drops to 1 or colder I move them into the garage overnight.( celsius) I have them on wheels so it is easy to move them... and you are a couple of zones warmer.
I have found that wind and not enough water are huge issues and the plant will tell you as the large leaves will show the burn from wind or too hot a sun.
Try not to be over protective as these plants have a very forgiving growth pattern and as long as you are paying attention they will recover.
Enjoy them.
Ann
benjamin2, How're you coming on that camera? Waiting, waiting, waiting to see those Stuttgart babies!
I lucked out on 2 Tropicanna Golds at Home Depot that were about 3' and in full bloom. Just lucious!
Pati
Pati,
You haven't seen the Stuttgarts yet??!! They're on the Coleus forum!!!
Brinda,
My Canna Cleopatras aren't doing so well. They started off great in the containers they're in. But now, they're getting brown on the edges, and I KNOW I have another worm that's punching symmetrical holes in the leaves, only I can't catch him in the act. And, they just don't look vibrant like they used too. And they seem to have stopped growing. I have them on a stand that gets full sun most of the day, but I don't think the sun is burning them. I'm not watering them as much now, and I haven't fertilized them in awhile. Let me know.
Please advise. Thanks!
Gymgirl, those holes are caused from leaf rollers. As for the brown on the edges, keep them well watered....especially in the heat we've had.
Someone else will have to help you with the leaf rollers.....I don't have much of a problem with them.
If watering doesn't take care of the problem with the brown edges, I think I would take them up and put them elsewhere. Are these in the ground or pot?
They're in pots. I'll post a pic tonight. Leaving for the doc right now, and will shoot them AND the porcelain toilet tonight.
Gymgirl
I think Brinda is right about the water as mine had brown edges when they didn't get enough water. I actually plugged the holes in the pot the next year and they did much better. I have found that they don't like their roots hot so I have my pot partly shaded but the top open. I blocked with another pot. I have found they are little piggies for the food too and do much better when I feed them each week with a lower dose.
I don't have the problem with the leaf rollers and cant offer any help there. The last time I had big round holes it was the leaf cutter bees doing it but I never did see them I was just advised that it was them.
Hope the doc can fix you up!
Ann
Hey GG, I'm the newest newbie when it come to Cannas. I GOOGLED and read, and DG'ed and read, and just kind of made up my own game plan with the info. BTW, mine are all in pots, hopefully going in the ground before hurricane season.
I treat mine as "bog" plants. They sit in large round shallow saucers and I water them until there is water standing in the saucers. In this heat I do it daily because the water is gone by the next morning. Because I water so much, I sprinkle a LITTLE Osmacote once a week so they always have some full strength.
I saw the dreaded round holes on one of them and immediately bathed all of them in SEVIN Ready-To-Use Bug Killer! (spray bottle) Sorry if this upsets the organic gardening people, but I don't use it on anything but my Cannas and the Aphids on my Hibiscus. I don't spray my Passion vines or anything that attracts butterflies. They just have to share with the Aphids!
Anyway......this is working for me. My Cannas are magnificent and my Tropicanna's and Tropicanna Golds are reaching for 7 feet!
Pati
My cannas grow like weeds, wherever I plant them. I have them in the ground, bare-rooted in the goldfish pond, in pots in the goldfish pond, in pots in the sun, in pots in the semi-shade. I have them by themselves and in pots or tubs with watermint or watercelery or forget-me-nots.
Here in NW Georgia (zone 8b) I leave them outside during the winter, whether in pots or in the ground. I can't imagine you'll have any problem growing them!
I'm in zone9 ...will my canna's thrive in containers?? I'm looking for some really nice plants to put at my new car biz. ((also something the other employees can enjoy and remember to water too)) ~LOL~