When Are You Able To Relocate Canna Lilies?

Transplanting and dividing canna lilies every few years is essential to prevent overcrowding, disease, and pests. In warm climates, canna lilies can be transplanted year-round as long as temperatures are warm enough for growth. However, for best results, it’s recommended to transplant cannas.

When ready to transplant, dig up the rhizome two to four weeks before the last frost date. If you’re transplanting an existing canna, dig it up with a shovel and remove the root ball. If you live in a colder climate, lift your cannas in fall after the first frost but before the ground freezes. Cut off any dead or damaged roots.

The best time to plant canna lilies is between April and May, and they are usually best started off in pots. Cannas have strong underground stems, known as rhizomes, which can be found in bags during the dormant season. The prime season to relocate your canna lily is between mid-spring and early fall, as this allows the canna lily enough time to establish before the first frost. Transplanting during this period enhances growth, encourages strong root development, and helps your canna lily bloom more prolifically.

Stored canna lilies can be replanted outdoors in the garden or containers in spring when all danger of frost has passed. For best results, transplant cannas during the active growing seasons of spring through fall. Wait for the frost danger to pass, dig them up and loosen the soil around them, and try to dig them up with the root ball intact before moving them.

Cannas are warm-season flowering plants, so it’s best to move them when they are dormant during late winter or early spring months before new growth. When transplanting, they will flower best in full sun, like the original patch, and they like a lot of water.