How to Dig Canna Roots

Prepare to dig canna lily roots after the first frost has killed the top growth of the plants or the plants begin to decline in the fall. In frost-free areas where canna lilies remain evergreen over the winter, prepare to dig the roots in fall or winter when growth slows.

Push the shovel into the ground 8 inches from the stems of the canna lily plants to avoid damaging the rhizomes with the shovel blade. Push the shovel handle downward to bring the soil and root clump to the surface. Use multiple attempts, working closer each time, until the majority of the clump is located and brought to the surface.

Dig up all the canna root clumps by carefully digging up the entire root sections with the shovel. Snip off the top growth from the canna lily plant with a pair of hand held garden shears at the point it is connected to the root clump, or rhizome.

Place the canna roots in a bucket or other container.

Cover a table with a layer of dry newspaper and place the canna lily roots in a single layer on the newspaper.

Remove all dead plant tissue from the canna roots as some of the rhizomes will be old and dried. Some of the canna roots will naturally separate. Gently pull others apart to separate them only if there is a clear area along the rhizome where division will naturally occur. Do not cut the rhizomes to divide them or force them apart. Each division should have two or three "eyes" or raised areas where new canna plants will grow.

Wash the rhizomes after they are divided and rinse in a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water to kill fungus and mildew spores. Allow the rhizomes to dry in a well-ventilated area for one week before storing or replanting in the garden.