Last week, we discussed a relatively uncommon flower — the Yellow Canna Lily. The plant is unique in a way that its flaccid flowers, seed pods and leaves are all quite different from the usual flowering options commonly available in Pakistan.

We briefly took you through the various types and kinds of Canna Lily flower plants, the seeds harvesting process and the seeds scarification methods applied while finally sowing the seeds in the selected potting mix till germination, and skimmed through the relevant prerequisites when sowing the seeds. This week, we will take our readers through the seedling phase and beyond to the flowering stage.

The seedlings are likely to germinate within seven to 10 days of sowing seeds, provided it’s done in favourable conditions and the temperature range I advised last week, just around the summers. Ideally, the temperature range should be between 20 to 25 degrees Celsius.

Once the seedlings start to grow, their container should be shifted from its original location with indirect sunlight exposure. The shifting should be gradually done, while increasing the span of direct sunlight exposure hours. Yellow Canna Lily plants require daily exposure of at least six hours of direct sunlight. Needless to say, the watering quantity or frequency might need to be increased as well, because the potting mix and soil’s water evaporation tendency is likely to augment with direct sunlight.

A guide to the Yellow Canna Lily’s seedling phase and flowering stage

Now, let me share some bad news. Growing a Yellow Canna Lily from seeds can take one to even three years before the plant matures and starts flowering! This is exactly why buying small potted plants from nurseries is a preferred practice among avid flower-lovers.

Is there a way we can get it done a little faster?

A more common and easier method to grow is not from the seeds but from the rhizomes of the Canna Lily. These ginger-like rhizomes are usually available at some of the local nurseries. The plants usually grow from the eyes of these rhizomes when sown within a potting mix. Many nurseries, though, refrain from selling these rhizomes and focus on selling commercially profitable finished plants, with blooming characteristic flaccid flowers.

There is a common belief among nurseries and gardeners that, if a viral disease attacks the Canna Lily plants, the ones grown with rhizomes are more likely and susceptible to get infected, as compared to others grown with seeds.

In a favourable environment and climate, with adequate watering and the provision of heavy fertilisers, the Yellow Canna Lily plants being grown from healthy rhizomes are likely to mature quickly. These Yellow Canna Lily plants may bear the flowers in three to six months of planting these rhizomes.

The mature Yellow Canna Lily plant may reach a height of three to five feet. The plant spreads quickly on the ground, as more foliage develops on the budding rhizome’s eyes underneath the soil. It is, therefore, recommended to grow the Yellow Canna Lily plant in a container. The container will be very soon occupied with dozens of plants growing together, giving it a look of fullness.

The plant can also be grown in the ground with some ensured confinement, or a dedicated patch could be provided to the plant. If grown in the ground with other plants around, the Yellow Canna Lily is likely to invade the other plants.

Pruning should be done regularly, while removing dead leaves from the bottom of the plant, especially during the growth phase. This will help the plant in prolonging the flowering phase. The Canna Lily plant should be regularly provided with balanced NPK fertilisers every 15 days. The plant requires lots of slow-releasing fertilisers, as it is a heavy feeder.

The plant is rarely attacked by any pests or insects, but may find itself attacked by aphids, mealybugs and spider mites. Commercially available insecticides can be used, although I always prefer organic pesticides, such as neem oil.

Viruses are more likely to attack the Yellow Canna Lily plants grown from rhizomes. The indication for a viral attack is the presence of discoloured areas or streaks on the otherwise beautifully patterned leaves. There is no solution to viral ailments and sadly the plants, in this case, should be immediately removed.

Please send your queries and emails to doctree101@hotmail.com. The writer is a physician and a host for the YouTube channel ‘DocTree Gardening’ promoting organic kitchen gardening

Published in Dawn, EOS, March 10th, 2024