Canna Lily

How to Fertilize Canna Lily

Canna x hybrida
Reviewed by Kiersten Rankel M.S.
Quick Answer
Use a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer at full strength every two weeks. Cannas are heavy feeders that need generous nutrition for big leaves and flowers. Stop when foliage dies back in fall.

When Should I Start Feeding My Canna Lily?

Begin feeding when new shoots emerge from the rhizome in spring, which happens earlier in warm southern climates and later in regions with a longer frost season.

US feeding regions map
Pacific Mar–Oct
Mountain Jun–Aug
Midwest May–Sep
Northeast May–Sep
Southeast Mar–Oct
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How Often Should I Fertilize My Canna Lily?

Feed every two weeks during the active growing season with liquid fertilizer. If you are using slow-release granules, one application every 6 to 8 weeks is enough.

Cannas grow fast in warm weather and will visibly slow down if they run out of nutrients. Pale leaves, smaller flowers, and stunted new shoots are signs they need more food.

Stop fertilizing once the first frost kills the foliage or when you cut the stems back in fall. The rhizomes are dormant through winter and do not need nutrients.

Feeding Calendar
Spring & Summer
Full-strength liquid every 2 weeks or slow-release granules every 6–8 weeks
Early Fall
One final half-strength feeding before first frost
Late Fall & Winter
No feeding while rhizomes are dormant

What Is the Best Fertilizer for Canna Lily?

Canna Lilies are hungry plants that do best with a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 or one that leans toward higher phosphorus and potassium, such as 5-10-10. The extra phosphorus supports their large, showy blooms, and potassium strengthens the thick stems.

Granular slow-release fertilizer works well for in-ground Cannas because it feeds steadily over 6 to 8 weeks. For container-grown Cannas, a liquid fertilizer gives you more control and faster uptake.

Apply at full label strength. Unlike many ornamentals, Cannas can handle and actually benefit from regular, full-dose feeding throughout the growing season.

Synthetic
Strong balanced formula perfect for heavy feeders. Mix 1 tablespoon per gallon every two weeks.
Slow-release granules that feed for up to 4 months. One application in spring covers much of the growing season.
Organic
Organic bloom booster with beneficial soil microbes. Scratch into the soil every 4 to 6 weeks.
Gentle liquid organic that feeds the soil food web. Mix 1 tablespoon per gallon every two weeks.
Excellent slow-release amendment for Cannas. Mix a generous handful into the planting hole and top-dress monthly.

How Do I Fertilize My Canna Lily?

1
Water the soil first
Give your Canna Lily a deep watering before applying fertilizer. These plants love moisture, and wet soil ensures nutrients reach the roots without burning them.
2
Measure at full strength
Mix your liquid fertilizer at the full rate listed on the label. Cannas are heavy feeders and tolerate a full dose well during active growth.
3
Apply around the base
Pour the diluted fertilizer in a ring around the plant's base, about 6 inches from the main stem. For in-ground plantings, cover the entire root zone out to the drip line.
4
Top-dress with compost monthly
Spread a 1-inch layer of compost around the base once a month for an extra nutrient boost. Cannas respond especially well to rich organic matter.
5
Water again after granular applications
If you used slow-release granules instead of liquid, water thoroughly to activate them. Keep the granules off the stems and leaves to prevent burn marks.

Got More Questions?

Can I use coffee grounds on my Canna Lily?
Coffee grounds add a small amount of nitrogen and improve soil texture, so they are fine as a supplement. They will not replace regular fertilizing, though, because Cannas need much more nutrition than coffee grounds provide.
What happens if I over-fertilize my Canna Lily?
Over-fertilizing causes leaf edges to turn brown and crispy. In extreme cases, the roots can be damaged and the plant may wilt even when the soil is moist. Flush the soil with plenty of water and skip the next scheduled feeding.
Why are my Canna Lily leaves pale and small?
Pale, undersized foliage is almost always a sign of nutrient deficiency. Cannas are heavy feeders, and skipping even a few feedings during peak growth can cause them to stall. Resume feeding at full strength every two weeks.
Should I fertilize Canna Lilies stored indoors over winter?
No. Dormant rhizomes stored for winter are not actively growing and do not need any nutrients. Wait until you replant them in spring and see new green shoots.
Can I use banana peels to fertilize my Canna Lily?
Banana peels break down too slowly to provide meaningful nutrition for a plant this hungry. Use a proper balanced fertilizer and save the peels for the compost pile.
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About This Article

Kiersten Rankel M.S.
Kiersten Rankel M.S.
Botanical Data Lead at Greg · Plant Scientist
About the Author
Kiersten Rankel holds an M.S. in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology from Tulane University. A certified Louisiana Master Naturalist, she has over a decade of experience in science communication, with research spanning corals, cypress trees, marsh grasses, and more. At Greg, she curates species data and verifies care recommendations against botanical research.
See Kiersten Rankel's full background on LinkedIn.
Editorial Process
Fertilizer recommendations verified against Canna x hybrida growth data from Greg's botanical database, cross-referenced with USDA hardiness zone data and published horticultural research.
152+ Greg users growing this plant
USDA hardiness zones 8a–11b