My cannas started life in six inch pots, then were transplanted into 12-14 inch pots when they had a couple of leaves. The rhizome was a couple of inches below the surface of the soil. My 12" pot went into a tub of water that rose about halfway up the side of the pot - so the rhizome was above the surface of the water. This set up was only because I don't have a pond, not because I thought it was better or 'right' - I was improvising. I have seen pictures of cannas growing right out of the water (shoots emerging from the water) - the rhizome is obviously underwater. I have also read several accounts of people growing them completly submerged, but I don't recall anything about how they did it (pot, soil, koi/no koi). If you plant the rhizome in a pot and place this partly underwater (so that the rim of the pot is just above the surface), the koi shouldn't be able to get at it through the pot. If they can, then you might have some dangerous mutant koi on your hands :-) How do I get these postings to be most recent first instead of last?? You can't. This is a really primitive forum format - there is a strong resistance to change here, so I don't know if they'll ever update it without a major revolt :-) BP

My stuttgart canna grow like weeds here in CA during the warm months. They started growing about a month ago. They are under the shade of a big Hong Kong Orchid tree. They flower at about 8 feet. The soil is pretty heavy clay that has been covered with compost every year for the last 15 years so the soil probably has lost some of its alkalinity, but I wouldn`t call it acid soil. I`ve never put any peat moss down in that area. I`m in south Orange County about 10 miles inland from the ocean.

Sorry to miss guide you on the hosta Samfawzy & slfairless but I am a hosta collector with over 100 varieties. The hosta in the pot was an example that they can be stored in pots in the garage. Only a few make their way there as all the other are in the ground. I am thankful that you responded with advise. I didn't know if they should be in a cold area or basement for winter. I guess what you are saying is it's not the cold but the darkness that is important. So I will try your suggestions. Clean them, wrap them, keep them dry and in the dark. Thanks so much for responding. G

I'm a newbie to gardening and this forum has been so helpful! Especially the canna info as I have been collecting canna seeds over the past few weeks. I visit with clients daily about gardening stuff and I cant wait to send them here for info!!! Thanks people!