Planting and Growing Care

• 1). Choose a site for Tropicanna in full sun in moist, well-drained soil. Amend the soil with organic material to improve drainage, if necessary. Wait until after the last expected frost to plant cannas outdoors.
  
  
• 2). Add fertilizer to the planting soil at the rate called for in the product directions and mix well into the soil. Use a balanced garden fertilizer, such as 10-10-10.
  
  
• 3). Dig a hole for each rhizome deep enough that the top of the rootstock is 4 to 5 inches below soil level. Cover with soil, firming it to remove any air pockets around the roots. Water well. Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart.
  
  
• 4). Water once a week during drought periods. They grow best in moist soil but can tolerate drought once established.
  
  
• 5). Fertilize again in mid-summer to encourage the formation of more flower buds.
  
  
• 6). Remove spent flowers to keep Tropicanna flowering.
  
  

Winter Care

• 1). Prune plants back to 4 to 6 inches above the soil after the leaves have been blackened by frost.
  
  
• 2). Dig the clumps and gently remove most of the soil with your fingers. Canna roots are brittle, so don't shake them to remove the soil.
  
  
• 3). Place the rhizomes in a sheltered spot for several hours, until the roots and remaining soil are thoroughly dry. This may take a few hours to several days, depending on the weather. If necessary, cover the roots at night to protect them from freezing temperatures.
  
  
• 4). Store rhizomes in wire crates, mesh bags or large boxes in a cool, dry location where temperatures stay above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Inspect the roots occasionally and discard any that become shriveled, soft or moldy.
  
  

Propagation and Restarting Growth

• 1). Divide large root clumps in spring, before planting. Slice down through the crown, making sure that each section has at least three to five buds.
  
  
• 2). For earlier outdoor bloom, start cannas inside six to eight weeks before the last expected frost date.
  
  
• 3). Plant the cannas at the same depth they will grow outdoors, 4 to 5 inches below soil level. Use a large enough container to fit the roots comfortably.
  
  
• 4). Place the containers in a sunny window or use grow lights once the rhizomes sprout.
  
  
• 5). Harden the cannas off for a week before planting outdoors by putting the containers outside during the day but taking them back inside at night.