To propagate hardy canna, the most common method is to divide the rhizomes by carefully digging up the plant, separating the rhizome sections with at least one “eye” or growing point on each piece, and replanting them individually in the spring or fall when the plant is dormant; ensure each division has healthy roots and a viable growing point.
Key points about propagating canna:
Division time: Best done in early spring before new growth starts or in the fall after the foliage dies back.
Identifying growth points: Look for “eyes” on the rhizomes, which are the points where new growth will emerge.
Cutting technique: Use a sharp knife to cut through the rhizome, making sure each section has at least one growing point.
Repotting: Plant the divided rhizomes at the same depth they were originally growing at, with the growing points facing upwards.
Other propagation methods (less common):
Seeds: Can be used, but may not produce plants true to the parent variety.
Stem cuttings: Technically possible, but not as reliable as rhizome division.