Can I Plant Cannas Tubers in the House?

Size Considerations

• Most home gardeners grow cannas outdoors. This is because the majority of the cultivars grow to great heights -- as much as 5 feet or more, with leaves that can be 12 inches wide. These flowers make a strong statement in any landscape. Cannas can be grow in containers, according to the University of Minnesota's Extension website, which means you could plant them in containers in the house.

Cultural Considerations

• Cannas need full sun in order to grow and bloom properly. They thrive in bright, hot conditions. For this reason, the primary difficulty in growing cannas indoors is the lack of direct sunlight in most homes. Home gardeners who want to grow cannas tubers, or rhizomes, indoors should place the container in the warmest, brightest location possible. Keep the soil moist, but never soggy, as this could cause the rhizomes to rot.

Starting Cannas Indoors

• Many home gardeners start cannas indoors. This means they plant the tubers indoors, before the weather has warmed up outside, to give them a head start on blooming. To start a canna indoors, bury the rhizome in a container filled with rich potting soil. Plant it 3 inches under the surface of the soil. Do this four to six weeks before the estimated date of the last freeze in your area. Once there is no danger of frost, transfer the plants to your outdoor garden, or continue to grow them indoors if you wish.

Overwintering Cannas Indoors

• Home gardeners that live in climates with freezing winter temperatures can still grow cannas, indoors or outdoors. If you choose to grow them outdoors, you can bring them indoors for the winter. In the fall, before the first hard frost, cut the stems off so that 2 to 3 inches are remaining. Then, dig up the rhizomes, shake the dirt off and bring them indoors. Lay them in a box or on a table in a cool, dry place, such as a cellar or garage, where temperatures will remain between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit.