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Expert: Long Island Gardener - 9/17/2007


Question
I had to dig up my canna - lillies early before the first frost. Is this going to kill the Ryzomes? How should i Store them?
I live in zone 5. Greeley, CO 80634


Answer
The damage is done, but the plants will probably survive.  Treat them well and they will recover, perhaps it will take 2 seasons or maybe they will bounce back like nothing happened.  A lot depends on how healthy they were before this happened, how slowed their metabolism was before they were yanked, and the cultivar.

As far as storage, you may be doing them a favor, because clumps of Cannas that are left in the ground year after year become increasingly weak.  Clean off the soil and remove/toss the old rhizomes, then cut the stems down to 4 to 6 in.   Each piece should have an eye -- like a potato or Dahlia.  Some people disinfect their Summer bulbs after dividing with a mixture of 1 part bleach to 9 parts Water.  Let them dry out, then cut the roots off and store in a box -- never a plastic bag -- of newspaper or Peatmoss.  Optimal temps thru the winter are 55 degrees F or higher.

Next Spring, plant and wait.

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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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