10/28/2016
Quick and Reliable: Canna Cannova
Kevin Roethle & Mike Huggett
Canna Cannova series is a rising star in today’s greenhouse production. Through unique seed technology (every seed has two laser holes in it) and F1 performance, Cannova offers quick and reliable production with less hassles and more predictability as compared to other forms of canna. It also actively grows in cooler and lower light conditions—a huge advantage since this tropical plant has traditionally needed more heat during production. It also finishes 10 days earlier than other seed cannas.
Bred in the Netherlands by Takii and available exclusively through Ball Seed in North America, Cannova is available in bold colors, including Lemon, Mango, Orange Shades, Yellow, Rose, Red Shades and the popular Bronze Scarlet, with more unique colors coming soon. Beyond its striking color, the series’ strength is also contained in its versatility of use: containers, combo center pieces, landscapes and even shallow water gardens. At maturity, Cannova can reach up to 30 in. in height, making it a stand-out thriller or back-border plant. Gardeners will appreciate its durability; it will flower all season long, even through adverse weather conditions.
Here are some helpful culture tips to producing a fantastic Canna Cannova crop:
Plug stage
Sow seed into a large plug tray—between a 72-cell to a 128-cell tray with one seed per cell. Cover seed deep into the cell cavity up to ½ to ¾ in. in depth.* Because it’s very vigorous, Cannova can push out of the cell if not planted deep.
Canna Cannova will germinate with or without light. For best results, place trays into a warm chamber with a sustained temperature of 75 to 78F (23 to 25C) and 80% humidity for up to five days or until such a time that emergence is visible. This is quicker compared to other open-pollinated seed cannas. Keep moisture levels high throughout the germination process. Once removed from the chamber, place trays onto the bench and maintain good moisture levels.
Plug finish time
The large plug tray should be ready for transplant in four to five weeks.
Transplant and finishing
Due to Canna Cannova’s unique compact habit and excellent branching, they can be finished in a wide range of containers. Place one plant per container (quart, 8-in.) into a well-drained media and maintain a moderate moisture level during the early stages of root development. Ensure that plants don’t become too dry, as it may lead to tip or edge burn. Carry good EC levels of 1.5 to 1.8 after roots reach the side of its finished container. Cannova grows better than other seed cannas under cooler conditions, however, for best results, daytime temperatures should be 70 to 85F (21 to 29C) and nighttime temperatures should be 60 to 80F (15 to 26C).
Growth regulators
Although not necessary for larger containers, if height control is needed, it can be accomplished using Bonzi at 2 to 4 ppm drench applied 10 to 14 days after transplant. Cooler nighttime greenhouse temperatures of 60F (15C) can also be effective in maintaining height.
Days to flower
The entire crop time for Cannova from sow to flower is 80 to 110 days, depending on finishing temperature and light.
Diseases & Pests
Canna Cannova doesn’t have many pests in general. A fungicide program can be beneficial to help deal with pythium, rhizoctonia and botrytis. Scout often for thrips and red spider mites.
As the first seed-grown F1 canna series, Cannova offers more versatility and better economy than tissue culture cannas. Its seed form also doesn’t restrict it to larger pots like tissue culture cannas—the series works well in 4-in. pots to 2 gal. Cannova’s strong colors can recapture the landscape market and its easy-to-grow nature will appeal to designers and gardeners alike.
To learn more, visit
www.ballingenuity.com.
GT
Kevin Roethle is head of New Product Development for Ball Seed in West Chicago, Illinois, and Mike Huggett is Eastern Flower Sales Manager for American Takii in Salinas, California.