Hardening off cannas

SophieK

I've started my cannas 2-3 weeks ago indoors (they've taken over the shower tray in a cooler bathroom - it's very handy to water them ). They're doing very well and I am thinking about starting to harden them off. My question is: can their tender leaves take full sun or better leave them in the shade - but worried it might be too chilly? I unfortunately have very little in terms of dappled shade.

Fire

London is still getting down towards frost so I would wait to start hardening them for a while yet. Maybe start the oki koaki in May.

Posy

Your problem is going to be putting them out in the day and bringing them in at night for a couple of weeks. I don't wait for May, but I am a bit of a risk taker and sometimes get it wrong. If you have a sheltered place near a wall, that makes it easier. I don't think they mind sun at all, but keep them watered if it gets warm, those pots are quite small.

SophieK

Thank you both for your feedback.
The plan is to bring them out and back in every day for the next 2-3 weeks, a bit tiresome indeed but I'm worried they're not quite getting enough light in that bathroom. After the hardening period I'll plant them in the ground and cross fingers we don't have an unexpected terrible cold snap.

punkdoc

Cannas are probably not safe outside until the end of May, unless you are in a very mild area. possibly you started them too early, and not in the best light.

Hostafan1

I'd hold back on the watering which might slow them down a bit

SophieK

@punkdoc I am in London, the garden is protected and the pollution probably adds a couple of degrees. The cannas are not leggy yet, but I am worried they will be if they stay indoors. I had to start them off for fear of losing them altogether. I have neither a greenhouse, nor conservatory or garage. I stored them with as much protection in my shed, but it's an uninsulated metal shipping container, if it's -5 outside it's -5 inside the shed as well. So when the last super frosts came 3-4 weeks ago (a full week between -3 and -7 at night) I decided to start them off and the only place is inside the heated house.

@Hostafan1 I will try that and see if keeping them lightly moist is good enough.

Inglezinho

In Alabama they keep them in growth all the year round and grow them as foliage plants in the winter. Even there a light late winter frost can annihilate them. You seem to be doing very well. They tolerate heat extremely well, so I would continue doing what you are. Latest time to plant out varies according to where you are in UK. In Lincolnshire it was not till June. Good luck!