Too late to sow Cannas from seed?

JWK asked me this in another thread, and I thought it might be better on its own:

In addition to the monsters I grew in doors under lights last Autumn I have some babies that were sowed around mid April (can't find the date) that are in 3" pots (in greenhouse) and ready for planting out. I was planning on putting them in a "nursery block" at the back of a bed where I have a gap.

So I reckon if you sowed now you would be able to plant out by mid June. Don't suppose they will flower this year, but I think you would have some decent plants for next year. They would probably be large enough this year to put on a bit of a foliage show.

The issue, I think, is whether the plants will have become big enough to produce viable rhizomes that will over-winter? Getting them germinated, and raised to size to plant out, as quickly as possible (maximum heat, water, fertilizer I guess?) should do the trick, particularly if you can pot them on and hold in the greenhouse to plant out a bit later perhaps?

I held the seed in some pliers, and used a triangular saw-file to make a nick in them (I tried a craft-knife but nearly took several fingers off! and I also tried holding them in Mole-grips, but I did split some where the pressure was too great)

Then I soaked them for 24-48 hours in warm water, replaced a few times, and then put them on damp kitchen paper in a Tupperware box (or use a container that you can cover with cling film) and as they germinated I potted them on into 3" pots.). I put them on top of the microwave so I didn't forget about them! Some warmth needed to get them to germinate, although should not be much problem this time of year (turn your AirCon OFF!!) Germination was a bit staggered - the first few were up in a couple of days, but some took a couple of weeks from memory

Alternatively sow in October, but go easy on the artificial light or they'll flower by XMas! You'll need them at 10C or better though, so that would fill your conservatory ... not sure how well Mrs JWK would receive that?!

 

JWK , Wilkos are selling various Canna plants for about £6 .

 

Don't know what your local market stalls are like, but there is a plant stall on our market that sells assorted Cannas for £2; they are about 8-12" tall and vary in condition, but there are some nices one there, especially for the price...:thumb:

 

I tend to think you would get a reasonable rhizome from sowing now.

On overwintering small plants, you can just keep them ticking over in leaf through the winter with just very light watering and a min of 10C.

Although I dont think they would be particularly small by the end of September.

 

Please take care of looking out for the Canna virus, especially from rhizomes. I believe it is still a world-wide epidemical problem ... seeds are always safer. It spreads like wildfire.

 

Chip the seed slightly with a razor blade before soaking to speed up and increase success

I used to do loads of canna seeds, you'll get a reasonable plant by the end of the summer but I wouldn't plant out permanently until next year. I used to do mine Feb at the latest

 

John , I have grown Canna Tropicana from seed this year - my first time as well. I started them from seed at the end of January. I put the smallest 2.5ft in a container tonight , and the others are going in a sunny bed this weekend. These are nearly 4 ft tall - a bit bigger than I planned I'll put some pics on this weekend as I have- as usual - another dozen questions on their upkeep :D

 

John, the "Tropicana" that you bought, is it the plant also known as "Durban"?
Redish striped leaves with large orange flowers.
A great plant if it is.

Harry,Jungle seeds are selling a seed strain by the same name, "Tropicana", which is quite different, but still good plants.

In my opinion "Durban" and "Pretoria" are probably, two of the showiest varieties, having striped leaves that look good even without the large flowers.

The down side I found was the striped leaves masked the signs of virus, hence I lost my collection a few years ago.

 

I grew 4 Cannas Tropicana from seeds bought on Ebay. The picture below shows the different sizes I have, smallest 2 foot biggest nearly 4 foot . Foliage is not striped like Johns. Why the huge difference in height is this normal ?
I am planting the 3 tall ones in a bed , I think I will support them for a while as they do seem top heavy.
The second pic - is this the rhizome forming / Do I grow them from this next year or is it better to collect the seeds?
I doubt this will be my last question on cannas :D

 

I'm thinking the one in the picture John is probably "Pretoria".
Bengal Tiger - Cannas - Hardy Tropicals UK

Harry the difference in height is probably due to different parentage, so probably different coloured flowers will have slight differences in growth habit.
Must admit the growth at the base looks a little strange, but yes that is the rhizome forming and you will be able to grow the plant from that next year, all being well.

 

Sounds like you have caught the "Canna Bug", John.