How to grow Queensland Arrowroot in Australia
Canna edulis, a lush self-spreading clump for warm gardens. Great for damp spots and as a summer screen.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Sun: Part shade
- Water: 15 litres a week, watered every 2 days
- Spacing: 100 cm
- Time to harvest: 300 days
- Time to germinate: 14 days
- Soil pH: 5.5 to 7
- Frost tolerance: Frost tender
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | October to December | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | October to December | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | October to December | |
| Melbourne & Victoria | November and December | Marginal. Plant rhizomes Nov to Dec in warm soil. Frost burns the tops; mulch well and the clump reshoots in spring. |
| Adelaide & SA | October to December | |
| Perth & WA | October to December | |
| Tasmania | Not suited | Unsuitable. The season is too short and cool for the tubers to bulk up. |
| Canberra & ACT | Not suited | Not viable. Hard frosts and a short season leave no time for tubers to form. |
| North Queensland | November to February | Plant rhizomes Nov to Feb as the wet sets in. Clumps grow fast in the rain and tubers are ready by the late dry. |
| Darwin & Top End | November to February | Plant rhizomes Nov to Feb as the wet sets in. Clumps grow fast in the rain and tubers are ready by the late dry. |
Harvest and storage
Storage
Roots keep in the ground; dig as needed.