Indian Shot
Canna indica
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. 1D88 — Canna indica
Canna indicaCanna indicaCanna indicaCanna indicaCanna indicaCanna indicaCanna indicaCanna indicaCanna indicaCanna indicaCanna indicaCanna indicaCanna indicaCanna indica
IOverview
Overview
Indian Shot (Canna indica) is a perennial herb that thrives in full sun and moist conditions, making it adaptable to various soil types including light sandy, medium, and heavy clay soils. Native to regions like Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, and parts of Central America, this plant has spread across much of the Americas and into Florida and Texas. Known for its edible roots and fruits, Indian Shot can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and is often used in ornamental gardens due to its striking appearance. Its light requirement and hardiness range from zones 7-10 make it a versatile choice for gardeners looking to add a tropical touch to their landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Indian Shot?
Indian Shot (Canna indica) is a perennial herb that thrives in full sun and moist conditions, making it adaptable to various soil types including light sandy, medium, and heavy clay soils.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Indian Shot thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 7-10 and grows as a perennial, reaching heights of up to 1.5 meters. For propagation, divide the rhizomes in spring for new plants. This plant is native to regions across Central and South America and parts of the Caribbean, making it adaptable to similar climates elsewhere.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
7-10
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Indian Shot for the first time
8steps
Start with Indian Shot as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Indian Shot bulbs or seeds, potting mix, containers or garden space.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost when temperatures are consistently above 15°C (60°F).
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light, medium, or heavy texture. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant bulbs 5-10 cm deep in the garden or pots. For seeds, sow them 2-3 cm deep and cover lightly.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Place containers in a sunny spot to encourage growth.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and spent flowers to maintain the plant's appearance and encourage new growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting to prune, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitRoot
Edible uses: The Indian Shot plant's root and fruit are edible. The roots can be cooked or dried, while the fruits are typically eaten raw. Both parts add a unique flavor to dishes.
Other uses:DyeFiberPest controltextiles
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Americas15 regions
native (15)BahamasBelizeBoliviaColombiaCosta RicaCubaDominican RepublicEcuadorEl SalvadorFrench GuianaGuatemalaGuyanaHaitiJamaicaNicaragua
Broader regions
native:Mexico Gulf, Mexico Southwest, Brazil Northeast, Brazil West-Central, Florida, Mexico Central, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Southeast, Brazil North, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Leeward Is., Louisiana, Argentina Northwest, Panamá
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 1d889a46-7969-469a-8fc5-cd320ff3093f
Decision aid
Choosing between Indian Shot and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.