I took Lynn's advice once on how to handle/split cannas. We had a Swap I believe in Spring. As I remember she said I could dig up, separate the rhizomes around 2 weeks prior to the swap. She suggested just leaving them on the ground. I did this, brought them to the swap and shared. I've done it once since and I know the recipient now had blooming, robust cannas. Yes, they are forgiving and tough.
Re the bulbs. I think it depends on the bulbs, the quality of the bulbs and the quality of the soil. (mine is clay with some amend). I've purchased lots of Daffs with good success of first season blooms. I rarely have reblooms. In fact I can't find the bulbs I planted 1 1/2 years ago. They were cheap bulbs. Don't know if that matters - I'd think it wouldn't matter the quality of the daff. I've not planted other sorts of bulbs but I've had very good success with iris of various types. I think Marie is the most knowledgeable re bulbs as far as our region goes.
Good luck! Let us know.
