Achira in Zone 11a & 11b
Canna edulis
Yes, achira grows in zones 11a and 11b. Start seeds indoors Nov 6–Nov 13 and plant out Jan 15–Jan 22.
When to plant achira in zone 11b
Zones 11a and 11b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Either: Start indoors for an earlier harvest, or direct-sow outside for less fuss. Either works.
| Start indoors | Nov 6–Nov 13 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Jan 15–Jan 22 |
| Estimated harvest | Jul 14–Jul 21 (~180 days after planting) |
Spacing: about 4 square feet per plant (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 4-8 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 11b
These go outside within two weeks of achira in zone 11b, so one planting day can cover them.
- Birdhouse GourdJan 15–Jan 22
- CucamelonJan 15–Jan 22
- JicamaJan 15–Jan 22
- MaukaJan 15–Jan 22
- Molokhia (Egyptian Spinach)Jan 15–Jan 22
- Vegetable AmaranthJan 15–Jan 22
Achira is a rhizome crop related to the ornamental canna lily, with similar-looking foliage but grown for its large, starchy rhizomes rather than its flowers.
How achira fits zone 11's season
Zone 11b is frost-free, so frost is not what limits the calendar here. What you can plant, and when, comes down to summer heat and daylength instead.
Achira planting windows in every zone
Zone 11b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6a & 6b | Feb 28–Mar 7 | May 9–May 16 | Nov 5–Nov 12 |
| 7a & 7b | Feb 13–Feb 20 | Apr 24–May 1 | Oct 21–Oct 28 |
| 8a & 8b | Jan 28–Feb 4 | Apr 8–Apr 15 | Oct 5–Oct 12 |
| 9a & 9b | Dec 21–Dec 28 | Mar 1–Mar 8 | Aug 28–Sep 4 |
| 10a & 10b | Dec 5–Dec 12 | Feb 13–Feb 20 | Aug 12–Aug 19 |
| 11a & 11b (your zone) | Nov 6–Nov 13 | Jan 15–Jan 22 | Jul 14–Jul 21 |
Harvest dates are about 180 days after the sow or plant-out date, not after starting seeds indoors.
Good companions
No well-established companions for achira.
Where to buy achira seeds
None of the seed suppliers we list carries achira seeds right now. A local garden center or a specialty seed house is the place to look.
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing achira" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 11b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Achira in USDA zone 11b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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