I need information on Canna's from an expert on flowers.?

Question

This year I raised Canna's for the first time. I noticed after the flowers have wilted there is a small pod that seems to be full of tiny seeds. My question is: Can more Canna's be raised from these seeds (if indeed they are seeds) Thanks

Answer 1

They can, but let me first explain the nature of the Canna. It spreads like a weed. Next spring you are likely to have 3 times the canna you have now so starting the seed is not necessary. Most of us grow canna because they are beautiful, but we are also always on the look out for anyone who will take some of the canna off our hands. Canna multiply rapidly through off shoots from their rhizomes and can be divided easily. If you want to start some canna seeds then you will need to nick them with a sharp knife or razor and then soak them in water for about 24 hours before you are ready to plant them.

Oh, I live in zone 7 which means I can keep my canna outside year round. Those who are zone 6 or lower need to dig up their canna and store the rhizomes for the winter.
Good Luck

Answer 2

The seeds appear after the canna flowing cycle is complete. Planting the seeds is a sure way to introduce more cannas to your landscape . It is best to always sow the seeds during the spring outdoors when the soil is warm. if you prefer to speed the process up you can alwys sow them in pots in your greenhouse or a warm sunny window inside. Once the seeds have sprouted and have already sent up thir cotyledons you could trnsfre them spot them up into 4 inch containers. Once the transplants have reached the appropiate size you could easily transfer them inot the garden. it is always fun growing plants from seed . To me the thing that intigues me is that the plants sown are alwys differnt in flower color. Seeds to not come true to type from this type of pobagation.
On the otherhand asexual probagation like that of divisions, you will have a plant that is genetically the same as the parent plant. Cannas spread and grow very quickly, most often people divide up cannas if they want poliferate a specific cultivar.
Another way to maske hundreds and hundreds of the same exact plant for gorwing purposes is to implament a type of asexual pobagation known as tissue culture. This is one of the newest technologies growers are using now.

Answer 3

You could , but they multiply faster by division . That would happen faster, if you cut off spent flowers promptly, and don't let the seeds develop . (Seeds take a LOT of energy) . If you want to do it for fun, go for it . There's a small chance that you could get something distinctly different from the parent. (giving you your very own canna ;D) Good Luck .


ps :sptfyr, must be nice . Here,(upstate NY) cannas are container foliage plants , with any flowers a late bonus . ;D

Answer 4

Please visit http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/canna/msg0714194514778.html