Achira in Zone 6a & 6b
Canna edulis
When to plant achira in zone 6b
Zones 6a and 6b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Either: Start indoors for an earlier harvest, or direct-sow outside for less fuss. Achira tolerates either.
| Start indoors | Feb 28–Mar 7 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 9–May 16 |
| Estimated harvest | Nov 5–Nov 12 (~180 days after planting) |
Spacing: about 4 square feet per plant (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 4-8 ft.

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 6's season
Zone 6b's frost-free window runs about 173 days, from April 25 to October 15. Achira needs about 180 days from sowing to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Achira.
Where to buy achira seeds
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 6b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →

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Growing Achira in USDA zone 6b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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