Canna Lilies are The Edible Ornamental Hidden in Plain Sight
That striking Canna Lily in your garden isn’t just a pretty face – it’s hiding a nutritious secret beneath the soil. While most gardeners grow these tropical beauties for their dramatic flowers, their bulbs and roots have been eaten for centuries, offering a unique addition to your kitchen garden.
Growing in Our Forest At the Edible Forest, we cultivate two prized varieties specifically for their edible bulbs:
- Canna Lily Achira (Canna edulis red)
- Queensland Arrowroot (Canna edulis)
Health Benefits & Nutrition These starchy bulbs pack a surprising nutritional punch:
- Rich source of minerals (calcium, iron, phosphorus)
- High vitamin content (B1, B2, and C)
- Supports weight management
- Benefits skin health
- Promotes heart health
Harvesting Guide Timing: End of winter
- Cut stems down to ground level
- Carefully dig up the bulbs
- Break off bulbs, leaving some for regrowth
- Clean thoroughly before use
Cooking Tips & Uses
- Roasting: Bulbs turn translucent and develop a flavor similar to taro
- Mashing: Blend with potatoes for a nutrient boost
- Young roots: Harvest and prepare like other root vegetables
- Bonus tip: Use the large leaves as natural serving platters for canapés
Growing Tips
- Plant in full sun to partial shade
- Well-draining, rich soil
- Regular watering during growing season
- Flowers attract beneficial pollinators like bees
Before You Start, always ensure correct plant identification before consuming any part of a plant. If you’re unsure, consult an expert or visit our garden for a guided tour to learn more about edible ornamentals.
Did You Know?
Many ornamental plants in your garden might have edible or medicinal properties. Join one of our tours to discover more unexpected edibles hiding in plain sight!
