How to Transplant Cannas

Cannas are majestic plants that stand guard over every flower garden in which they grow. Want to transplant your cannas elsewhere in your yard or in a new yard altogether? No problem. It's easy to transplant cannas and chances are very good that the cannas will survive.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Shovel
• Rake
• Compost
• Watering can or hose

1. Spread up to 4 inches of compost on the new site. Dig down to a depth of about 6 inches and turn the compost under. Rake the area smooth and dig a hole 4 to 6 inches deep and about a foot wide for each canna to be transplanted.

2. Dig up one of the cannas to be transplanted. Make sure a large amount of dirt clings to the root ball when you lift it out of the ground. Try to keep as much dirt on the roots as possible.

3. Place the canna into one of the pre-dug holes. Try to set the plant at the same level at which it was growing before you dug it up. Fill the hole with dirt and press down gently.

4. Water thoroughly. Let the water pool at the base of the plant and then soak in. Do this at least twice.

5. Repeat Steps 2 to 4 for each canna you are transplanting.

Tips & Warnings

• Transplant in northern areas before the beginning of August.
• In southern areas, transplant up to 4 weeks before the average first frost.
• Dig up and replant one canna at a time so the roots are only briefly exposed to air.
• Do not remove dirt clinging to the roots when you dig up cannas for transplanting.
• Transplant on a cloudy day or just before sunset to minimize exposing the roots to the hot sun and to minimize transplant shock.
• North of and including Zone 7, canna rhizomes (roots) must be dug and stored for winter in plastic bags at 50 to 60 degrees F.