When is the Best Time to Transplant Canna Lily Plants?

With their large, tropical-looking leaves and bright, eye-catching blooms, canna lilies make a stunning addition to flower gardens and landscape beds. While they are not true lilies, these rhizomatous perennials offer big visual impact in the right setting.

If you already grow canna lilies, you may need to transplant them to a new spot occasionally. Or you may want to expand your collection by dividing existing plants So when is the ideal time to transplant canna lilies?

Overview of Transplanting Canna Lilies

Also called canna plants or Indian shot, canna lilies produce underground rhizomes that store energy over the seasons. The rhizomes multiply quickly, forming dense masses that need dividing every few years Transplanting cannas prevents overcrowding and encourages new growth

In warm climates (zones 8-11), canna lilies can be transplanted year-round as long as temperatures are warm enough for growth. But for best results, it’s recommended to transplant cannas 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 over winter indoors. Transplant them back outside the following spring after the threat of frost has passed.

When transplanting canna lilies, take care to prevent damage to the rhizome roots. Water the transplants deeply after planting to reduce stress. With proper timing and care, your cannas will establish quickly in their new location.

The Best Time to Transplant Cannas

Canna lilies thrive with warm soil and air temperatures in the range of 70-85°F (21-29°C). This makes spring through fall the prime seasons for transplanting. Here are some guidelines for when to move canna plants based on your climate:

Spring

• Zones 8-11 – Transplant cannas in early to mid spring after the last frost date. Soil temperatures should be warming to at least 65°F (18°C) for good growth.

• Zones 3-7 -Transplant stored rhizomes in late spring after all danger of frost has passed. Wait until soil reaches 60-65°F (15-18°C).

• Avoid transplanting too early in spring while temperatures are still cool and soil is wet. This slows establishment.

Summer

• All zones – Summer is an excellent time for transplanting and dividing cannas in the ground. Their active growth allows them to recover quickly.

• Plant 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 establish roots before winter dormancy.

• Zones 3-7 – Dig up canna rhizomes in late fall after foliage dies back. Discard diseased or pest-damaged rhizomes.

• Store healthy rhizomes in a dark, cool spot over winter. Replant them in spring.

Winter

• All zones – Avoid transplanting cannas during the winter months when the ground is frozen.

• In zones 3-7, follow proper storage protocols for rhizomes until spring planting time returns.

Tips for Transplanting Canna Lilies

Follow these guidelines to successfully transplant canna lilies while minimizing shock or root damage:

• Carefully dig up the entire rhizome mass, cutting back foliage to about an inch. Gently shake off excess soil.

• Break or cut rhizomes apart at natural divisions so each section has roots and growth buds.

• Optionally dip rhizomes in a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) to disinfect. Rinse well.

• Prepare planting holes the same depth as the rhizome length and twice as wide. Space 36-48 inches apart.

• Place rhizomes horizontally in holes 6 inches deep. Do not plant too deeply.

• Backfill holes with soil, tamp gently, and water thoroughly after planting.

• Water transplants daily for the first week and frequently thereafter until they are established.

Follow these tips for best transplanting results in any season. With proper care, your cannas will flourish in their new location.

Ideal Conditions for Transplanted Cannas

For your relocated canna lilies to grow their absolute best, provide these ideal site conditions:

• Full sun – Cannas require a minimum of 6 hours direct sunlight per day. More sun leads to fuller, vibrant growth.

• Fertile, well-drained soil – Cannas thrive in nutrient-rich, moist but well-draining soil. Heavy clay can lead to rhizome rot.

• Consistent moisture – Water transplants regularly until they establish a deep root system. Then provide 1-2 inches of water per week.

• Shelter from wind – Protect transplants from harsh winds which can damage foliage and dry out soil.

• Moderate humidity – Average humidity levels keep cannas happy. Very low or high humidity encourages disease.

Giving your transplanted cannas the right growing conditions ensures they get off to a vigorous, healthy start.

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:

• Divide when plants become overcrowded and centers die out. This happens every 3-5 years.

• Divide cannas after they finish flowering in late summer or fall.

• Alternatively, divide in early to mid-spring as growth resumes.

• Use a sterile knife to cut rhizomes into sections, ensuring each has roots and growth buds.

• Replant divisions and discard any diseased portions.

Dividing overcrowded cannas reinvigorates them and prompts lush new growth. Time it when the plants are actively growing for quickest recovery.

Signs Cannas Need Transplanting or Division

Watch for these cues that your canna lilies would benefit from transplanting or division:

• Slow, stunted growth and reduced flowering.

• Small new leaves rather than large, bold foliage.

• Crowded, congested plantings with bare centers.

• Rhizomes peeking above the soil surface.

• Evidence of pests or diseases, indicating stressed plants.

Any of these issues indicate that 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 care when transplanting 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 after planting rhizomes.

• New foliage growth is visible within 2-3 weeks of transplanting.

• Flower stalks generally appear 6-8 weeks after transplanting cannas.

• Full maturity and maximum flowering is reached within 3 months following transplant.

Be patient in those first few weeks while root systems get established. Then enjoy watching your cannas thrive all season long!

Common Problems When Transplanting Cannas

Follow best transplanting practices to avoid these common issues:

• Rotting rhizomes – Caused by overwatering, planting too deeply, or heavy soil. Allow rhizomes to partially dry out before planting. Improve drainage if needed.

• 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.

• Failure to establish – If rhizome roots are damaged during transplanting, plants may fail to regrow. Handle rhizomes carefully to keep roots intact.

• Slow recovery – Inadequate sunlight, nutrients, or water after transplanting leads to prolonged recuperation. Meet all of the plant’s needs for optimal recovery.

With careful handling techniques 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 them anytime they outgrow their space.

Can I transplant cannas in the 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 following sound horticultural practices will keep these exotic-looking 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 when you transplant cannas and how you care for them afterwards. A little time and effort upfront will reward you with vigorous plants and spectacular flowers year after year.