To dig or not to dig, that is the question!

19 years ago

I am a garden newbie and I would appreciate advice from fellow gardeners in Toronto. I have 5 cannas which were planted end of July/beginning of August. They have grown almost double their original size, to about 3 or 3.5 ft. and have a lot of big leafs. So far only one bloomed and now two others are with buds. I noticed that people are beginning to dig up their cannas and I cannot decide if to follow suit. These two which are in buds are so close to blooming. I'd really want to wait a bit longer to see them bloom and find out their colour (my landscaping contractors planted them for me but they have thrown away the tags!). On the other hand, I would really be very sorry if they died because I waited too long to dig them up. Any advice as to what I might do now? Many thanks in anticipation!

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Comments (6)

Gwyn
19 years ago
Hello
Mine have not bloomed in 2 years. However last year I dug them up when they got hit by frost. That is when my canna and dahlia leaves got black and wilted.
Will be doing the same this year.
turtlegirl03
19 years ago
I agree with Gwyn. I think after the first freeze, the cannas will turn brown overnight. That will be your indication that it is time to dig them. The rhizomes should be fine.
euphemia
Original Author
19 years ago
Hi Gwyn and Turtlegirl03:

Thanks for the advice. I can now wait a bit longer without too much fear. Many thanks again!

Euphemia
euphemia
Original Author
19 years ago
My cannas got hit by frost at last and I dug them all up yesterday evening. The one that was bearing buds didn't get to bloom after all, but I at least get to see that it is another yellow. The rhizomes have grown quite huge since they were put in end of July and there are a lot of young "eyes". I broke some of these while digging. Can I assume that each broken piece will become an individual plant, no matter how small it is? Also I can see that the tissues of these young eyes are very fresh and tender. I just wonder if they will rot easily. I intend to wash away the soil with water, dry them and then store them. Will this do any harm to the canna rhizomes? Thanks for any advice in advance!
Gwyn
19 years ago
My canna were hit by frost as well and I am not going to be able to dig up till Sunday. Is dark when I get home.
Last year I washed off and then let dry in garage for a couple weeks, then wrapped in paper and put in a cardboard box in the basement. This year I will probably not wash off.
Not sure this answers the question.
dennisjmccoy
19 years ago
I have never washed my canna rhizomes when brought in for the winter. The less you disturb the roots the faster they will start when put out in the spring.