Kanna - flowers from the Antilles

Even in the time of Peter I, in 1596, from the Antilles to the European continent, rhizomes of a previously unknown exotic plant were introduced. After planting them in a greenhouse, they gave fast-growing large-leaved shoots, and then - large asymmetric flowers of scarlet color.

This miracle is called an Indian cannabis, which is common in the tropical regions of Asia and Africa, although South America is the birthplace of this species. On the other continents canna is known as an agricultural crop. It can be eaten, because in some species the rhizome contains about 30% starch.

In Europe, this plant is considered exclusively decorative. Kanna, whose flowers look very impressive and exquisite, will be an adornment of any garden for the pleasure of the gardener, but this requires considerable work. And if there is a desire to grow cans in containers, then the garden will acquire an indescribable charm thanks to these bright elegant colors.

Cannes coloring leaves are divided into green, striped and reddish with a bronze hue. There are such varieties, in which the leaves have a dark purple and black-purple color. Also, the canna leaves are so unusual and decorative that they are bred for their beauty.

Kanna, whose flowers have a very diverse coloring, for example, yellow, white, red, pink, variegated, begins to bloom soon after it was dropped into the ground. It needs comfortable conditions and its flowering will continue from July until the frosts. The fruit of this plant is like a box. Seeds are large in size, from light to black shades of brown.

Kanna - flowers that should be grown in a sheltered from the wind, bright and sunny place. These heat-loving plants like loose, humus-rich soil and, importantly, abundant watering. From 5 to 24 degrees - here is the optimum temperature, in order for the plant to grow and develop.

Kanna - flowers that are planted in the ground after the passage of frost. Rhizomes must be buried 15-20 cm - so they will be protected from drying out and wind. The distance between them should be from 50 cm to 75 cm. Plants need to be bored, protecting the radical neck from freezing, otherwise the canes will rot in the wintering period. Also it is necessary to make a hot bedding on the bottom of the pit, thus ensuring a more magnificent development of cannes. It is made from manure (a thickness of about 20 cm), and a layer of earth (20-25 cm) is poured over the litter.

The best time to awaken cannes is the month of March. For this procedure, the rhizomes are cleaned from the ground, broken or cut into pieces with one or three kidneys, while the ashes are sprinkled with ashes. After that, put in a loose moist substrate, which consists of peat and sawdust and from time to time moisturize.

If the rhizomes are bought too early, it is better not to store them, but immediately treated with an antiseptic plant in a container and place it in a place for germination, which must be warm.

In order to prolong the flowering period of canna, it is necessary to remove flowers that have already faded, so that fruits and seeds are not tied. Even at the first threat of frosts, the stems of canna must be completely cut off, while leaving hemp height of 10-15 cm, and the rhizomes neatly dig out of the soil directly to the ground. Then they are transferred to winter in a dry cellar or in a cold greenhouse, or in a room with an air temperature of 5 to 12 degrees. And in order that the rhizomes do not dry out in the winter, the earth should not be disturbed by breaking into a box or other deep container.

When growing these wonderful flowers from gardeners expected attention, diligence, patience. And the canna, whose care takes time, will eventually repay with a long and plentiful flowering and become an adornment of any garden.