Introduction
There is nothing quite like the moment in midsummer when canna lilies begin to unfurl their massive, tropical leaves. Whether you love the electric orange of a Tropicanna or the classic bronze foliage of "Wyoming," these plants bring a sense of high-energy drama to any landscape. At Longfield Gardens, we enjoy cannas because they are among the most rewarding plants to grow, offering months of color with relatively little effort.
One of the best things about cannas is how quickly they grow and multiply. A single rhizome planted in the spring can become a large, lush clump by autumn. Learning how to divide canna lily bulbs—which are technically called rhizomes—is a simple skill that allows you to expand your garden for free and keep your plants looking their absolute best.
This guide will show you exactly how to identify, cut, and replant your canna rhizomes for the most successful results. By following these steps, you can turn one beautiful plant into a whole colony of tropical color.
Understanding Canna Lily Rhizomes
Before you pick up your garden tools, it helps to know what you are looking at. While many gardeners refer to them as bulbs, cannas grow from rhizomes. A rhizome is a thick, fleshy horizontal stem that grows underground. It stores energy and water for the plant, allowing it to produce those tall stems and large flowers.
When you look at a canna rhizome, you will notice it looks somewhat like ginger root. It has segments, and on those segments, you will see small bumps or swollen points. These are the "eyes," and they are the most important part of the division process. Each eye is a potential new stalk.
Dividing these rhizomes is a healthy practice for the plant. If left alone for many years, the center of a large clump can become crowded. This crowding can lead to smaller flowers and less vigorous growth. By dividing them, you give each new section fresh soil and plenty of room to reach its full potential.
The Best Time for Division
Timing is a major factor in gardening success. For cannas, the best time to divide the rhizomes depends on where you live and how you choose to overwinter them.
Spring Division
In most parts of the United States, spring is the ideal time to divide canna lilies. This usually happens in March or April, just as the plants are beginning to wake up from their winter dormancy. If you stored your rhizomes in a cool, dark place for the winter, you can bring them out and divide them before you start them in pots or plant them in the garden. Dividing in the spring is helpful because the "eyes" are often starting to swell or turn pink, making them very easy to see.
Fall Division
If you live in a colder region where you must lift your cannas to protect them from frost, you can also divide them in the fall. After the first frost has blackened the foliage, you dig up the entire clump. Some gardeners prefer to clean and divide the rhizomes immediately before putting them into winter storage. This saves space in your storage bins. However, if you do this, you must ensure the cut ends are allowed to "cure" or dry out properly to prevent rot during the winter months.
Key Takeaway: Spring is the easiest time for beginners to divide cannas because the new growth points are clearly visible and the plants are ready to grow immediately.
Tools You Will Need
You do not need specialized equipment to divide cannas, but having the right basic tools will make the process much smoother.
- A Garden Fork or Spade: Use this to lift the clumps out of the ground without slicing through the middle of the rhizomes.
- A Sharp, Clean Knife: A serrated garden knife or a sturdy kitchen knife works well. It is important that the blade is sharp so you make clean cuts rather than crushing the fleshy tissue.
- Disinfectant: A quick wipe with rubbing alcohol or a 10% bleach solution between different plants helps keep your garden healthy.
- Gloves: Canna rhizomes can be muddy, and the sap can sometimes be sticky.
- A Hose or Bucket of Water: This is used to wash away soil so you can clearly see the structure of the rhizome.
Step 1: Lifting the Clump
If your cannas are currently in the ground, the first step is to get them out safely. Start by cutting back the foliage. If it is fall, cut the stems down to about 4 inches above the soil. If it is spring and you left them in the ground (in warmer zones), do the same.
Use your garden fork to dig a circle around the base of the plant. Stay about 6 to 8 inches away from the outermost stems to avoid hitting the rhizomes. Gently pry upward from several sides to loosen the soil. Cannas can be surprisingly heavy, especially if the soil is damp, so take your time.
Once the clump is loose, lift it out of the hole and set it on a tarp or a flat patch of grass. If you are growing cannas in containers, simply tip the pot over and slide the root ball out. You may need to tap the sides of the pot to help it release.
Step 2: Cleaning the Rhizomes
It is very difficult to see where to make your cuts if the rhizomes are covered in dirt. Use a garden hose with a gentle spray to wash away the soil. You do not need to get them perfectly clean, but you want to see the individual "fingers" of the rhizome and the small buds (eyes).
As you clean them, keep an eye out for any sections that feel soft, mushy, or look shriveled. These parts should be discarded. A healthy canna rhizome should feel firm, much like a fresh potato.
Step 3: Identifying the Eyes
This is the most critical part of the process. Look closely at the segments of the rhizome. You are looking for small, pointed bumps. These may be the same color as the rhizome, or they might be starting to turn white, green, or pink.
Each new division must have at least one healthy eye to grow. For the best results and a fuller plant in the first season, we recommend ensuring each piece has two or three eyes. Pieces without an eye will not produce a plant, as there is no growth point to create a stem.
Step 4: Making the Cut
Now it is time to divide. Using your sharp knife, cut the rhizomes into smaller sections. Try to find natural "joints" where the rhizome narrows; these are the easiest places to cut.
Each section should be roughly 3 to 5 inches long. If the clump is very large and tangled, do not worry if you have to cut through a thicker section. As long as you have a sharp knife and leave enough eyes on each piece, the plant will be fine.
As you work, try to keep the sections roughly the same size. This ensures that when you replant them, they will grow at a similar rate and reach a similar height, which creates a more uniform look in your garden beds.
Step 5: Curing the Divisions
Once you have made your cuts, the rhizomes will have "raw" edges. Just like a cut on your skin, these need time to heal. This process is called curing.
Place your new divisions in a dry, shaded area for 24 to 48 hours. This allows the cut surfaces to dry out and form a callous. This callous acts as a protective barrier that prevents soil-borne fungi and bacteria from entering the rhizome once it is planted. If you skip this step and plant them in wet soil immediately, there is a higher risk of the rhizome rotting before it can start growing.
What to do next:
- Set the divided pieces on a tray or newspaper in a garage or porch.
- Keep them out of direct sunlight during this time.
- Check that the cut ends feel dry and corky before planting.
Planting Your New Divisions
After the rhizomes have cured, they are ready to go back into the garden or into pots to get a head start. For a fuller picture of how deep canna bulbs should be planted, it helps to match planting depth to your soil and growing conditions.
Soil Preparation
Cannas are hungry plants. They love rich soil that stays moist but does not stay soggy. Before planting, we suggest mixing in some compost or well-rotted manure to give them the nutrients they need for that fast summer growth.
Depth and Spacing
Plant your canna rhizomes about 2 to 3 inches deep. The "eyes" should be facing upward, though cannas are resilient enough that they will usually find their way to the surface even if planted sideways.
Space the divisions about 1 to 2 feet apart. This might look like a lot of empty space at first, but remember that these small pieces will grow into large, bushy plants by July. Giving them enough room now ensures good air circulation later in the season.
Light and Water
Cannas need plenty of sunshine to produce their best colors and flowers. A spot with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun is perfect. After planting, water them in well to settle the soil around the rhizomes.
Once they start growing, keep the soil consistently moist. Cannas are one of the few garden plants that don't mind "wet feet" occasionally, making them great for the edges of ponds or low spots in the yard. However, for standard garden beds, the "deep water, then let it dry slightly" method works best.
Growing Cannas in Containers
If you don't have much garden space, divided cannas grow beautifully in pots. Using containers also makes it much easier to move the plants around your patio or bring them inside if a late spring frost is predicted. If you want a full walkthrough, see our guide on growing cannas in a pot.
When planting divisions in pots, choose a container that is at least 12 inches deep and has good drainage holes. Use a high-quality potting mix rather than garden soil, which can be too heavy for pots. A single division with 2–3 eyes is usually enough for a 12-inch pot. If you have a very large planter, you can tuck in two or three divisions.
Keep in mind that container plants dry out faster than those in the ground. During the heat of summer, you may need to water your potted cannas every day to keep the foliage looking lush and prevent the edges of the leaves from turning brown.
Choosing Varieties for Your Collection
One of the joys of dividing cannas is that you can slowly build a stunning collection. At Longfield Gardens, we offer several varieties that are particularly popular for their reliable performance and striking looks. You can also start with our Canna Assorted Collection if you want multiple colors in one planting.
- Tropicanna® (Phasion): Famous for its multicolored leaves with stripes of purple, green, yellow, and red. It produces bright orange flowers.
- Pretoria (Striata): This variety features bold yellow and green striped leaves that look like stained glass when the sun shines through them.
- Wyoming: A classic choice for those who love dark foliage. Its deep bronze-purple leaves provide a perfect contrast to its vibrant orange blooms.
- Stuttgart: This variety is unique for its green and white variegated leaves. It prefers a bit of afternoon shade to prevent the white portions from burning.
When you divide these varieties, you ensure that the new plants will be identical to the parent. This is a much more reliable way to get the exact look you want compared to growing them from seed, which often results in plants that look different from the original.
Aftercare for Divided Cannas
Once your divisions are in the ground and growing, they need very little specialized care. If you want a broader look at canna culture, our Canna Tall Cannas collection is a good place to compare growth habits and heights.
Fertilizing
Because cannas grow so much leaf mass in a single season, they are heavy feeders. You can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a month during the growing season. This supports both the foliage growth and the production of new flower spikes.
Deadheading
To keep your cannas looking tidy and to encourage more flowers, remove the old blossoms once they fade. Simply snip the spent flower stalk off just above the next leaf or bud. This prevents the plant from putting energy into seed production and keeps the focus on the blooms.
Monitoring Growth
Keep an eye on your new plants as they emerge. If you notice a piece isn't growing as fast as the others, check to make sure it isn't buried too deep or being shaded out by a neighbor. Most of the time, a little extra water and sunshine are all they need to catch up.
Regional Considerations
While the process of dividing remains the same, your location in the United States will change your schedule slightly.
- Zones 8–11: In these warmer regions, cannas are often left in the ground year-round. You can divide them every 3 to 4 years to prevent overcrowding. The best time is late winter or very early spring before the new growth gets too tall.
- Zones 3–7: In these areas, cannas will not survive the winter in the ground. You will be lifting them anyway to store them in a frost-free place. This makes the transition into division very natural—either divide them in the fall before storage or in the spring before replanting.
No matter where you live, the key is to wait until the soil has warmed up before planting your divisions outside. Cannas are tropical at heart and will sit dormant in cold, wet soil, which increases the risk of rot. Waiting until the soil is at least 60°F is a simple rule for success. To check your planting window, visit the Hardiness Zone Map.
Summary of the Division Process
Dividing cannas is a rewarding task that feels like a "garden win." You are taking a plant that has done well and giving it a fresh start while doubling or tripling your inventory.
Key Steps for Success:
- Lift: Dig wide to avoid damaging the fleshy rhizomes.
- Clean: Wash off soil to see the "eyes" clearly.
- Cut: Ensure every section has at least one (ideally 2–3) healthy eye.
- Cure: Let the cuts dry for a day or two before planting.
- Plant: Place 2–3 inches deep in rich soil and full sun.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of dividing canna lily bulbs is one of the easiest ways to bring more beauty to your home landscape. It is a simple, satisfying process that ensures your plants remain healthy and vibrant year after year. Whether you are filling a large border with the dramatic height of cannas or creating colorful focal points in patio containers, these plants never fail to impress.
At Longfield Gardens, we want to help you feel confident in every gardening task. By getting the basics right—like timing, depth, and a clean cut—you can enjoy a spectacular tropical display all summer long. For shipping and timing details, see our Shipping Information.
If you are looking to add new colors or textures to your collection, we invite you to explore our selection of premium canna rhizomes. We stand behind our quality so you can plant with peace of mind and look forward to a season full of color. Learn more about our 100% Quality Guarantee.
"Dividing cannas is a simple way to multiply your garden's beauty. With a sharp knife and a bit of patience, you can turn a single plant into a stunning tropical landscape."
FAQ
When is the best time to divide canna lily bulbs?
The best time to divide canna rhizomes is in the early spring, just as they are beginning to wake up from dormancy. If you live in a cold climate and lift your bulbs for the winter, you can also divide them in the fall before putting them into storage, provided you let the cuts dry out first.
How many "eyes" should each division have?
For the best results, each division should have at least two or three "eyes" (growth points). While a piece with only one eye will still grow, having multiple eyes ensures a fuller, more vigorous plant that is likely to bloom sooner in the season.
Do I have to let the cut rhizomes dry before planting?
Yes, it is highly recommended to let the cut surfaces "cure" or dry for 24 to 48 hours before planting. This allows a callous to form, which protects the rhizome from rotting when it comes into contact with moisture and soil bacteria.
Why didn't my divided canna lilies bloom the first year?
If a division doesn't bloom, it is usually due to a lack of sunlight or nutrients. Cannas need at least 6 hours of direct sun and rich soil to produce flowers. Additionally, if the division was very small (with only one eye), it may spend the first year building up its energy stores before it is ready to flower.
