Harvesting Cannas Plant:
Timing and Techniques

Cannas are beautiful flowering plants that can add color and life to any garden or landscape. These plants are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance, making them perfect for both novice and experienced gardeners. However, when it comes to harvesting cannas, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. In this article, we will discuss the timing and techniques for harvesting cannas plants.

Timing of Harvesting Cannas

The timing of harvesting cannas is crucial to ensure that you get the best yield possible. The best time to harvest cannas is when the flowers have faded, and the leaves have turned yellow or brown. This usually occurs in late summer or early fall, depending on your location.

It’s important not to harvest the cannas too early as this can result in a lower yield. The plant needs time to produce and store nutrients in its rhizomes before you can harvest them. Waiting until the flowers have faded and the leaves have turned yellow or brown ensures that the rhizomes are at their peak.

Techniques for Harvesting Cannas

When it comes to harvesting cannas, there are two main techniques you can use: digging up the entire plant or removing individual rhizomes.

Digging up the Entire Plant

If you have a small number of cannas plants, you can dig up the entire plant. To do this, use a fork or shovel to carefully dig around the plant and lift it out of the ground. Once you have lifted the plant out of the ground, shake off any excess soil, and remove the leaves.

Next, cut off any dead or damaged parts of the rhizome using a sharp knife or pruning shears. Then, let the rhizome dry out in a cool, dry place for a few days before storing them for winter.

Removing Individual Rhizomes

If you have a larger number of cannas plants or want to leave some in the ground for next year’s growth, you can remove individual rhizomes. To do this, carefully dig around the rhizome using a fork or shovel and lift it out of the ground. Then, gently shake off any excess soil and remove any dead or damaged parts of the rhizome using a sharp knife or pruning shears.

Once you have removed all the rhizomes, let them dry out in a cool, dry place for a few days before storing them for winter.

Storing Cannas Rhizomes

Once you have harvested your cannas rhizomes, it’s essential to store them correctly to ensure that they survive winter and produce healthy plants next year.

To store your cannas rhizomes, start by removing any excess soil and cutting off any dead or damaged parts of the rhizome. Then, place them in a paper bag or cardboard box with some dry peat moss, sand or vermiculite. Make sure that each rhizome is separated from one another within the container to prevent rotting.

Store your cannas rhizomes in a cool (around 40-50°F), dry place such as a basement, garage or closet. Avoid storing them near fruits and vegetables as these release ethylene gas that could damage your cannas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I harvest my cannas earlier than late summer/early fall?

A: It’s recommended not to harvest your cannas earlier than late summer/early fall as this can result in a lower yield. The plant needs time to produce and store nutrients in its rhizomes before you can harvest them.

Q: Can I leave my cannas in the ground over winter?

A: You can leave your cannas in the ground over winter if you live in an area where the ground doesn’t freeze during winter. However, if you live in an area with freezing temperatures during winter, it’s recommended to dig up your cannas rhizomes and store them indoors.

Q: How long do cannas rhizomes last?

A: If stored correctly, cannas rhizomes can last up to six months before planting again in spring.

Q: Can I divide my cannas when harvesting?

A: Yes! Harvesting is an excellent opportunity to divide your cannas if they’ve grown too large for their space. Carefully separate individual rhizomes from one another using a sharp knife or pruning shears and plant each one separately.

Conclusion

Harvesting cannas is an essential part of gardening that ensures healthy growth year after year. By following these techniques for timing and harvesting your cannas plants properly, you’ll be able to enjoy beautiful blooms season after season with minimal effort.