Canna Tropicanna®: The original Tropicanna, Tropicanna Gold, and Tropicanna Black Photo Credit Anthony Tesselaar Plants Botanical Name Canna x generalis Plant Type
With their lush, tropical foliage and dazzling blooms in shades of red orange yellow and pink, canna lilies bring drama to gardens and landscape beds. While they aren’t true lilies, these rhizomatous perennials make a big visual impact when planted en masse.
If you already grow canna lilies, you’ll need to transplant them periodically to prevent overcrowding You may also want to expand your collection by dividing existing plants So when is the best time to transplant canna lilies?
An Overview of Transplanting Canna Lilies
Also called Indian shot, canna lilies produce underground rhizomes that store energy over winter. The rhizomes multiply quickly, forming dense clusters that require dividing every few years. Transplanting cannas prevents overcrowding and stimulates new growth.
In warm climates (zones 8-11), cannas can be transplanted year-round as long as temperatures are warm enough for growth. But for optimum results, transplant them during the active growing seasons of spring through fall.
If you live in zone 7 or below, you’ll need to dig up canna rhizomes each fall and store them indoors over winter. Replant them the following spring after all danger of frost has passed.
When transplanting canna lilies, take care not to damage the rhizome roots. Water transplants deeply after planting to reduce stress. With proper timing and care, your cannas will establish quickly in their new spot.
The Best Time to Transplant Cannas
Canna lilies thrive when soil and air temperatures are 70-85°F (21-29°C). This makes spring through fall the ideal seasons for transplanting. Here are some guidelines for when to move cannas based on your climate:
Spring
Zones 8-11: Transplant cannas in early to mid-spring after the last frost. Soil temperatures should be warming to at least 65°F (18°C).
Zones 3-7: Transplant stored rhizomes in late spring after all danger of frost. Wait until the soil reaches 60-65°F (15-18°C).
Avoid transplanting too early while temperatures are cool and soil is wet. This slows establishment.
Summer
All zones: Summer is excellent for transplanting and dividing cannas in the ground. Their active growth allows quick recovery.
Transplant in mid to late summer for best results. Avoid hot mid-day sun when planting.
Water transplants regularly until established since heat dries out soil quickly.
Fall
Zones 8-11: Transplanting in early to mid-fall allows plants to root before winter dormancy.
Zones 3-7: Dig up canna rhizomes in late fall after foliage dies back. Discard any diseased or pest-damaged rhizomes.
Store healthy rhizomes in a dark, cool spot over winter. Replant in spring.
Winter
All zones: Avoid transplanting cannas when the ground is frozen.
In zones 3-7, follow proper storage protocols for rhizomes until spring planting.
Tips for Transplanting Canna Lilies
Follow these guidelines for successful canna lily transplanting while minimizing shock or root damage:
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Carefully dig up the entire rhizome mass, cutting back foliage to about an inch. Gently remove excess soil.
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Break or cut rhizomes apart at natural divisions so each section has roots and growth buds.
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Optionally dip rhizomes in diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) to disinfect. Rinse well.
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Prepare planting holes the same depth as the rhizomes and twice as wide. Space 36-48 inches apart.
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Place rhizomes horizontally in 6 inch deep holes. Don’t plant too deeply.
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Backfill holes with soil, tamp gently, and water thoroughly after planting.
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Water transplants daily the first week and frequently thereafter until established.
Following these tips will give the best transplanting results in any season. With proper care, your cannas will flourish in their new spot.
Ideal Conditions for Transplanted Cannas
To help relocated cannas grow their best, provide these ideal site conditions:
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Full sun: Cannas need at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. More sun results in fuller, vibrant growth.
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Fertile, well-drained soil: Cannas thrive in moist but well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Heavy clay can lead to rhizome rot.
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Consistent moisture: Water transplants regularly until they develop deep roots. Then provide 1-2 inches of water per week.
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Shelter from wind: Protect transplants from harsh winds that can damage foliage and dry out soil.
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Moderate humidity: Average humidity keeps cannas happy. Very low or high humidity encourages disease.
Giving transplanted cannas the right growing conditions ensures vigorous, healthy establishment.
When to Divide Existing Canna Plants
In addition to transplanting cannas in the ground, you may need to divide overgrown plants every few years. Follow these tips for when to divide:
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Divide when plants become overcrowded and centers die out. This happens every 3-5 years.
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Divide cannas after they finish flowering in late summer or fall.
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Alternatively, divide in early to mid spring as growth resumes.
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Use a sterile knife to cut rhizomes into sections, ensuring each has roots and growth buds.
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Replant divisions and discard any diseased portions.
Dividing congested cannas reinvigorates them and stimulates lush new growth. Time it when plants are actively growing for fastest recovery.
Signs Cannas Need Transplanting or Division
Watch for these signs that your canna lilies would benefit from transplanting or division:
- Slow, stunted growth and reduced flowering
- Small new leaves rather than large, bold foliage
- Overcrowded, congested plantings with bare centers
- Rhizomes peeking above the soil surface
- Evidence of pests or diseases, indicating stressed plants
Any of these issues indicate your cannas would appreciate being relocated or divided. Address the problems promptly for best results.
How Long Does it Take Cannas to Recover After Transplanting?
With proper transplanting care and good growing conditions afterwards, cannas recover quickly:
- Leaves may droop slightly for 1-2 days after transplanting, but then should perk up.
- New roots establish within 1-2 weeks of planting rhizomes.
- New foliage growth is visible within 2-3 weeks of transplanting.
- Flower stalks typically appear 6-8 weeks after transplanting.
- Full maturity and maximum flowering are reached within 3 months of transplanting.
Be patient those first few weeks while root systems develop. Then enjoy watching your cannas thrive all season!
Common Problems When Transplanting Cannas
Follow best practices to avoid these common transplanting issues:
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Rotting rhizomes: Caused by overwatering, planting too deeply, or heavy soil. Allow rhizomes to partially dry before planting. Improve drainage if needed.
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Transplant shock: Yellowing leaves, drooping, or stunted growth due to stressful timing or improper planting. Transplant when cannas are actively growing and provide ideal conditions.
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Failure to establish: Damaged rhizome roots during transplanting can cause failure to regrow. Handle rhizomes carefully to keep roots intact.
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Slow recovery: Inadequate sunlight, nutrients, or water after transplanting leads to prolonged recuperation. Meet all the plant’s needs for optimal recovery.
With careful handling and proper aftercare, your transplanted cannas will flourish beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions About Transplanting Cannas
Here are answers to some common questions about when and how to transplant canna lilies:
How often should I transplant my cannas?
Transplant cannas every 3-5 years to prevent overcrowding. Also relocate anytime they outgrow their space.
Can I transplant cannas in winter?
Avoid transplanting cannas during winter dormancy. In zones 3-7, you must dig up and store the rhizomes until spring.
Is it okay to transplant cannas while they’re flowering?
It’s best to wait until flowers fade in fall. However, you can transplant immediately after blooms drop.
Do cannas recover quickly after transplanting?
Yes, cannas re-establish within 1-2 months after transplanting if given proper care and growing conditions.
How can I revive a drooping canna after transplanting?
Drooping leaves are normal shortly after transplanting. Revive plants by watering thoroughly and providing good sunlight.
Transplanting cannas at the right time and using sound horticultural practices will keep these exotic beauties thriving season after season.
Enjoy Gorgeous Cannas All Season Long
With their huge, tropical foliage and bright bursts of color, it’s easy to see why canna lilies are so popular in gardens and landscape beds. Pay close attention to transplant timing and proper aftercare. A little effort upfront will reward you with vigorous plants and spectacular blooms year after year.
How to Plant Cannas
- Space rhizomes 1-1/2 to 2 feet apart to give cannas enough room. Containers need to be at least 18 inches in diameter (per rhizome).
- Before planting, loosen the soil to a depth of 1 foot, then mix in 2 to 4 inches of compost.
- Dig a hole 2 inches deep and set the rhizome 1 to 2 inches below the soil with the “eyes” (bumps or nodes, which are growth sprouts) pointed up.
- Cover with 1 to 2 inches of soil. Tamp firmly.
- Water thoroughly, then withhold water for as long as three weeks and watch for signs of growth. Cannas are slow to sprout. Once sprouted, water at least once a week by slowly soaking the area around the roots.
- Full foliage color develops when days are warmer (59ºF or more). Blooms should appear in 10 to 12 weeks.
- Cannas should not need to be staked as they have strong, upright stems.
- Cannas need wet soil. If the soil doesn’t remain moist, provide a good soaking once a week and every other day during the hottest weeks of summer—water freely in dry spells.
- Maintain a thin layer of mulch to help retain moisture.
- Stake tall varieties, if necessary.
- Where the soil is fertile, fertilizer is optional. However, canna are big eaters and would benefit from slow-release fertilizer at planting and twice during the growing season. Fish emulsion fertilizer, which is a little higher in nitrogen, is a beneficial organic alternative. Higher nitrogen fertilizers tend to increase canna height. Rose or tomato food products are also suitable.
- To promote blooming, check your canna every few days to deadhead (i.e., remove spent flowers)
- When deadheading, use small garden pruners or scissors. Do not pinch with your fingers.
- Canna stems grow several flowers on a single stem. Snip off only the spent flower where it joins the main stem, leaving the other spikes to continue to bloom.
- Once all the flowers on a single canna spike have bloomed, you may cut that part of the stem back, but avoid cutting off any new budding spikes.
When to Plant Cannas
- Cannas can not tolerate cold temperatures. The soil must be 60ºF or warmer before planting rhizomes—often the time when folks put tomatoes in the ground. See our Planting Calendar for tomato-planting dates. Dig a small hole 2 inches deep and insert a thermometer to determine soil temps.
- In cold, short-season areas, start canna rhizomes in pots indoors or in a greenhouse, ready to transplant outdoors at the right time.