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Bulbs/Canna Lillies

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Expert: Long Island Gardener - 4/5/2007


Question
I live on the west coast of BC Canada. I think its zone 8 and I just bought some canna lily bulbs it says to dig them up for the winter. Do I really need to do this in my climate I read other articles to just cut them down to i inch above the ground so not sure what I can really do ????

Answer
Last I saw, British Columbia was still on the same side of the Equator as New York.  You're heading into summer now, aren't you?  If not, please straighten me out -- I will be thoroughly confused.

You do not have to dig up Cannas in Zone 8.  And no one in the Northern Hemisphere has to dig up Cannas now at all.  Spring has sprung.

For next fall, keep your Cannas in the ground.  Horn Canna Farm (http://www.cannas.net/prodpages/planting.htm) has a whole cheat sheet posted on its website.  They write loud and clear that anywhere in Zone 7 and warmer, you do not have to dig these up.  Thanks for asking.

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Long Island Gardener

Expertise

Growing Tulips? Dahlias? Daffodils? Gladiolus? It doesn't get easier than bulbs and tubers. Once in a while, something goes wrong: The dreaded Narcissus Bulb Fly, which resembles a honeybee. Mosaic virus, which can ignite a field of tulips in a single season. Nematodes, lurking underground. Here on the North Shore of Long Island, the garden is full of surprises. If you live in the Northeast/Atlantic Coast, I can help you pick the right bulb for every season, indoors and out, and help you fertilize, bloom and harvest for home or work. How: I have degrees in related fields, but my best understanding is all learned from trial and error. For most of my 53 years I have been gardening somewhere. No matter what the problem, I've learned the best answers are always Organic -- Earth friendly, less expensive, healthier for people and pets, easier and cleaner than toxic liquids and powders that big chemical companies sell so smoothly.

Experience

Besides degrees in related fields, and a few favorite horticultural societies, I work as a docent at our local botanical gardens -- but it's the years of work in the garden that's the real test.

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