Bulbs and shrubs - Knowledgebase Question - Garden.org

kalamazoo, MI

Question by dfgquilter
May 6, 2007

Hi... Thanks for all the help the last few weeks! I'm wondering when is a safe time to prune the suckers off of my lilacs. Also, when can I take my cannas out of the basement and plant outdoors? Do I soak them in water a few hours before I plant them? Thanks again, Dorian

Answer from NGA
May 6, 2007

0	Glad we've been helpful and you've stopped by again! You can prune the lilac suckers down now. It isn't necessary to soak the canna rhizomes prior to planting. Plant canna rhizomes in spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. Prepare the garden bed by using a garden fork or tiller to loosen the soil to a depth of 12 to 15 inches, then mix in a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost. Dig a hole 4 to 6 inches deep. Set the rhizome horizontally in the hole, cover it with soil, and press firmly. Space rhizomes 1 to 4 feet apart, depending on the variety. Water thoroughly. Apply a 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch around cannas to retain moisture and control weeds. Cannas prefer consistently moist soil, so water plants during the summer if rainfall is less than 1 inch per week, and water container-grown plants frequently to keep soil moist. Stake tall varieties to keep them upright. Remove flowers as they fade. In autumn, after frost kills the foliage, cut plants back to 6 inches tall. Carefully lift each clump of rhizomes and put them in a plastic-lined box filled with perlite or peat moss, spacing them so that none are touching. Store boxes off the floor in a dry area at 45 to 55 degrees F. Replant in the spring.

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