- 1). Fill a large planting pot or tub with well-draining potting soil. Choose a container at least 8 inches deep and 12 inches wide, with drainage holes. For planting multiple lily plants in one container, they must be spaced at least 15 inches apart (10 inches for dwarf varieties), so choose your pots accordingly.
- 2). Mix in 1 inch of compost or manure to add nutrients to the soil and assist in draining. Work the compost or manure into the soil you already added for a good mix.
- 3). Dig a hole in the container 4 to 6 inches deep and plant the canna lily rhizome or seed. Rhizomes are the most popular method of propagating cannas, and if you plant a rhizome, ensure the eyes or bulbs face upward. Space the plants as detailed in Step 1.
- 4). Soak the soil with clean, lukewarm water until excess water runs from the drainage holes. Store the container in an area of your home that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day. You may need to move the container around at different times during the day to achieve the needed sunlight.
- 5). Water the cannas when the top 1 ½ to 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Soak the soil thoroughly during each watering. The plants should start to show through the soil within two to three weeks after planting.
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