Leo Berbee 12.pdf

CALADIUMS
Caladiums are grown for their long-lasting, colorful foliage. There are three distinct types of caladiums -
Fancy Leaf - broad heart- shaped or arrowhead shaped leaves which generally grow taller
Strap Leaf - pointed, narrow, heart-shaped leaves producing a compact plant with more leaves than fancy leaf varieties
(these are ideal for pot production and hanging baskets
Dwarf Caladiums - compact in habit making them ideal for pot plant and hanging baskets.
NOTE: IT IS ESSENTIAL TO START AT A SOIL TEMPERATURE OF 78-80 ° F.
AVAILABILITY January to May
WHEN TO PLANT
Caladiums require a warm, moist soil. A minimum of soil temperature of 78-80 0 F is preferred. If planted too early in the spring, cool
soil temperatures will cause tubers to rot before they sprout. They can be started indoors in moist peat moss or potting soil in
containers such as a shallow flat or flower pot. Barely cover tubers with soil and place the container in a warm germination room with
bright light. Tubers should be started indoors approximately four weeks before planting outdoors.
WHERE TO PLANT
For best growth, plant caladiums in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. A 2-3" layer of pine bark mulch or compost
should be incorporated into the soil to improve soil aeration, drainage, and organic matter content. Also, incorporate a complete
fertilizer such a 8-8-8 at a rate of 1 to 2 lbs per 100 ft2 of bed area (2 Tbsp per ft2). Plant tubers 2" deep and 8" apart
for small tubers and 12" apart for large tubers. Both roots and shoots emerge from the top of the tuber; place knobby side up.
Mulch with a 2-3" layer of organic material to conserve moisture and keep the soil cool. Soil temperatures over 85 ° F can result
in leaves with more green color and less of the highly prized brilliant colors. High levels of nitrogen fertilization can product the
same effect. Caladiums are heavy feeders of potash and phosphorus and must have ample moisture and summer feeding of
fertilizer in order to produce good tubers for the next growing season. Caladiums are not drought tolerant and should be
watered on a regular basis.
FALL CARE AND STORAGE
Caladiums can be treated as annuals and left in the garden to be killed by cold weather. However, it is possible to save
caladium tubers for planting again the following year.
In the fall with the onset of cool nights, the leaves will begin to fade and droop.
Before the leaves have lost all color and before soil temperatures drop below 55 ° F, dig the tubers that are to be saved,
retaining the foliage and sort them by color or cultivar.
Spread them out in an area protected from rain and cold, and allow them to dry for a week.
Do not place in full sun. After leaves have dried, cut them from the tubers. Store the tubers in mesh orange or onion bags;
or pack lightly in dry sphagnum moss and store them where the temperature will fall below 60 ° F.
Canna thrive in full sun producing lush green and bronze foliage and bloom in vibrant colors.
Canna are sturdy plants and need no staking.
AVAILABILITY February - May
WHEN & WHERE TO PLANT
Canna can be planted anytime of the year in southern zones but the soil temperature should be 55-65 ° F.
In zones 3-8, plant in spring and summer when ground temperature is not below 55-65° F.
They should be started indoors one month prior to moving outside.
Canna prefer a sunny location in moist, fertile soil.
HOW TO PLANT
When planting outside, prepare soil by spading and adding compost or rotted manure.
Rhizomes should be planted 1 - 1/2" deep and spaced 18-24" apart.
Soak well after planting. For container planting, pot one rhizome per gallon in well drained potting mix.
Containers will finish in 10-12 weeks when potted during the appropriate temperatures: Daytime 70-75° F; Night 55-65° F.
Fertilize established (2-3 weeks) plants monthly with 1:2:1 ratio (12:24:12 or 5:10:5), fertilizing at 1/2 the package recommendation.
NPK at 200 ppm weekly in injector fed systems.
DISEASE
Moth larvae, commonly called 'leaf roller worm" is the only insect of consequence affecting canna.
It can be controlled with application of malathion every three weeks.
WINTER PROTECTION & MARKETING
In zones 3-7, landscape canna should be dug after the first light frost in the fall and stored at 45-50° F.
In zones 8-10 canna should be mulched before heavy frost.
CALADIUMS & CANNA GROWING/CULTURAL INFORMATION
CANNA
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