Question
I have seeds from this year's canna lilies that were given to me.  How and when do I start the seeds, please?

Answer
Hi Cynthia,
Thanx for your question.  Canna seeds are easy to germinate.  I wouldn't start them until February of next year.  The seeds have a hard outer coating.  Rub some of this off with some sandpaper until the brown or black coating gives way to a lighter color.  Soak the seeds for a couple of days in warm, clean water.  Plant about 1/2 inch deep in potting soil and keep warm (about 75-80癋.).  They should germinate in a couple weeks and will look like thick grass coming up.  Transplant to separate pots when large enough to handle.  Keep under 40-watt shop lights until well after last frost, when ground is warm.  Put in shade for about a week to acclimatize and then full sun.  Canna rhizomes must be lifted in the autumn if your area is not frost-free.  I hope this helps.
Tom