It took a long time growing when I planted the stored cured cannas in June. Can I start early by planting in a plant box indoors in early Spring, then transfer them to my garden in June?
Yes, this can help you get a headstart on the growing season. Having a horticultural light over them will help quite a bit too, as window lighting may not quite be enough.
Please tell me about "other organic materials"? Can I buy compost - is bone meal good, can I use manure? I planted my stored lilies a week ago and I see signs of growth, but I didn't cover it with lot of organic soil. I will be growing them in pots this year, therefore, I will transfer than in a few days, but I haven't covered them in 2-4 inches of compost or organic m aterial. Should I just buy organic soil? Fertilize-I will get something from home depot, but what is best? tablets, stakes, liquid ? 5-10-5 or 10-10-10 fertilizer is on my list too, but what is the best kind of container for canna lily? Thanking you in advance. I print out all your answers to me and they've been right-on-point!
These articles should answer your questions.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/what-is-organic-material.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/canna/planting-cannas-in-pots.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/canna/canna-lily-care.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/canna/canna-lily-fertilization-tips.htm
ime in early spring, to put back outdoors?
You can overwinter canna lilies in a container or by digging the rhizomes. Here is how:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/canna/storing-canna-bulbs.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/canna/planting-cannas-in-pots.htm
Or all bulbs
Bone meal has been recommended for bulbs for decades. However, whether it's a good idea depends on where you live. Some soils are already high in phosphorus, bone meal's main nutrient. Adding more on a regular basis may worsen plants' performance. Only a soil test can tell if phosphorus is a good amendment for your garden. Cannas do need regular feeding, and a fertilizer higher in phosphorous is recommended.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/bone-meal-fertilizer.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/canna/canna-lily-care.htm
Bone meal has been recommended for bulbs for decades. However, whether this is, in truth, a good idea depends on where you live. Most Midwest soils are already high in phosphorus, bone meal's main nutrient. Adding more on a regular basis may worsen plants' performance. Only a soil test can tell if phosphorus is a good amendment for your garden.
https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/green-speak/2018-05-03-how-do-soil-test
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/bone-meal-fertilizer.htm
I dont have pictures. The canna lilies seeds have been softened and now my daughter wants to plant directly outside in garden. How many seeds per hole??
One. Two at the most, but you will be killing the weaker one off after germination. This goes for any seed. It is much better to plant one or two seeds per spot to avoid killing off several plants, or if you leave them, to avoid overcrowding which will have the same effect.
Here is an article for more information on the planting the seeds:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/canna/planting-canna-lily-seeds.htm
I planted 4 cannas in separate pots and 2 dahlias in pots at the same time, the dahlias have come up but the cannas have not. When will they pop up?
Cannas can take several weeks to come up. It depends upon the soil, temperature and the bulbs themselves.
Here's an article about growing canna lilies:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/canna/canna-lily-care.htm
I have pulled the canna plants from the ground in hopes to save them.....I am really disappointed; this happened last summer with different bulbs.
You didn't mention whether you think your bulbs are being eaten by rodents or insects, so I'm sending you article that cover both scenarios:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/bgen/protect-flower-bulbs.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/canna/managing-canna-lily-pests.htm