Canna Lily Canna 'Picasso'

Water

Canna Lilies, including the 'Picasso' variety, prefer evenly moist soil, so watering should be done when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Generally, this plant requires watering once a week, but this frequency should be increased during hot, dry periods to possibly every 2-3 days. When watering, apply water slowly and deeply around the base of the plant, using about 1-2 gallons of water per week under normal conditions. It's important to avoid overhead watering to prevent disease and to water early in the morning to allow the foliage to dry before the cool evening.

Light

Canna Lilies, such as the 'Picasso' variety, thrive in full sunlight, needing at least 4-6 hours of direct, unfiltered light each day for optimum growth and flower production. The best spot for Canna Lilies is in a sunny location where they are shielded from very strong winds, which can damage the leaves and flowers. However, in scorching climates, they will appreciate some afternoon shade to protect them from intense heat.

Temperature

Canna Lilies, including 'Picasso', grow best in warm conditions and can tolerate temperatures up to 90°F without issue. They should not be exposed to temperatures below 50°F as they are sensitive to frost and cold damage. The ideal temperature range for Canna Lilies is between 60°F and 85°F. If you live in a colder climate, they should be planted after the danger of frost has passed in the spring and dug up and stored indoors over winter.

Pruning

Pruning Canna Lilies, such as the 'Picasso' variety, involves deadheading spent flowers to encourage more blooms and removing damaged or yellowing leaves to maintain plant health. Pruning can be done throughout the growing season as needed. The best time for a significant cut back is after the first frost when you can cut the plants down to a few inches above the ground if they are in a region where they can overwinter, or before you store the rhizomes indoors in colder areas.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Canna 'Picasso', commonly known as Canna Lily, should be rich, well-draining and slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. A mixture of garden soil, peat, and perlite or sand would be ideal to ensure proper drainage and fertility.

Repotting

Canna Lilies should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when they outgrow their current pot. It is best to repot them in the spring before the growing season begins. They benefit from being divided during repotting to promote vigorous growth.

Humidity & Misting

Canna Lilies thrive best in moderate to high humidity levels. Aim to maintain a humidity level of around 50-70% for optimal growth. They can withstand some variation in humidity but prefer consistent conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright light, keep soil moist, and provide warmth for indoor Canna Lilies.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sun-rich site, fertile soil, water regularly, and provide space for growth.

• Hardiness zone

  7-11 USDA

Life cycle

The Canna 'Picasso', also known as the Picasso Canna Lily, begins its life cycle with seed germination or the sprouting of rhizomes, which are horizontal underground stems that produce roots and shoots. Following germination, the plant enters its vegetative growth stage, developing long, broad leaves and sturdy stems. During its flowering phase, which typically occurs in the summer, the Canna 'Picasso' produces vibrant, striking blooms that are often bicolored, with contrasting petal edging or speckles. After pollination, flowers give way to seed pods if conditions permit, which upon maturing, release seeds to start a new life cycle. In colder climates, the plant enters a dormancy period in the fall wherein the foliage dies back and the rhizomes rest underground, conserving energy. With the arrival of warmer temperatures in spring, the cycle resumes as the rhizomes activate and new growth emerges.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for Canna 'Picasso', commonly known as Canna Lily, is by dividing its rhizomes. This is typically done in the spring just before the growing season starts. To propagate, you would carefully dig up the Canna Lily when it is dormant and gently separate the rhizomes, ensuring that each division has at least one eye or bud. These divisions can be immediately replanted in well-draining soil, ideally spacing them about 1 to 2 feet apart (approx. 30 to 60 cm) to allow enough room for growth. It's important to plant the rhizomes just beneath the soil surface, no deeper than 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm). Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them. With adequate water, sunlight, and a little patience, these divisions will grow into vibrant, blooming Canna Lilies during the summer.