Canna Bulbs, Roots, and Rhizomes
Canna flowers enjoy a bit of space. For this reason, gardeners divide canna lilies when conditions are overcrowded. All of this dividing and transplanting requires tools as well as a tool belt, Bucket Boss, pouch, or rig to store and to carry your tools as you work.
What tools do you need to transplant canna plants?Canna plants replicate through their roots. Before canna can be transplanted, rhizomes must be cut. Then, bulbs and roots must be stored or transplanted quickly. The tools needed to accomplish these tasks include a sharp-edged sterile knife, a tool belt, a hand trowel, a pouch or Bucket Boss, and bleach. Here are some general guidelines on how to use them:
- Knife: Canna bulbs can be broken apart, but a sterile knife can help make a consistent cut. It is important to ensure that each bulb has an eye or two before you drop them in your Bucket Boss.
- Bleach: A solution of one part bleach to 10 parts water may be used to help keep the knife clean and to prevent the spread of disease.
- Bucket: Gardeners can use a 5-gallon bucket, a laundry basket, or a Bucket Boss organizer that features pockets to hold tools, seeds, and other items.
- Hand Trowel: Rhizomes are not located deep beneath the soil. A hand trowel lets you scrape back soil without damaging rhizomes. Bucket Boss organizers provide a place for hand trowels and other hand-held tools.
- Organizers and belts: A tool belt that fits a knife, a hand trowel, and a spray bottle is helpful. Bucket Boss organizers and pouches are equipped with multiple pockets that can fit a number of tools.
Most gardeners plant canna bulbs, but the plant also produces seeds. Seeds are harvested after the flowers have dried and green seed pods emerge. Break open the pod to release large, brownish-black seeds. Put the seeds in a Bucket Boss, tool belt, or other container with seed pockets and continue harvesting. Once you've collected the seeds, be sure to keep them in your Bucket Boss until you are able to store them in a dry place.
What tools do you need to dig up canna bulbs?Canna bulbs typically grow about 6 inches below the ground. Getting to the bulbs means cutting back overgrowth, lifting soil, and carefully removing the mass. You'll need a long-handled spade, a hand trowel, snippers for the overgrowth, a sharp knife that can be kept secure and clean on a tool belt, and a belt with pockets to collect the mass, such as a Bucket Boss. Once collected, you'll take the mass to a dry area and use a knife to separate the rhizomes.
How do you clean your canna tools and your Bucket Boss?Diluted bleach cleans metal and plastic tools, ensuring bacteria and disease do not spread. Other accessories, like tool belts, belts with pockets, rigs, pouches, and Bucket Boss organizers, are made with poly ripstop fabric and can be wiped down with plain or soapy water as needed.