Every canna lover comes into contact with them at least once. Depending on the variety, the rhizomes, which are white, yellow, sandy or sometimes reddish, represent the energy center of the flower cane. But what can you do with them?
What can you do with canna rhizomes?
Canna rhizomes can be divided, overwintered and even eaten to propagate the plant. To divide, they should be divided into small pieces, each with at least one eye, in the spring before planting. Overwinter the rhizomes in sand or soil at 5-10 °C.
How to divide the rhizomes
The rhizomes of Canna can be used to propagate this tropical plant. They are shared for this purpose. This method of propagation is preferable to sowing. The success rate is higher and dividing is done faster than sowing.
In the spring before planting, the rhizomes can be divided with a spade (€29.00 on Amazon). Divide them so that you get small pieces. Each piece should have at least one eye. The canna will later grow out of this.
How can the rhizomes overwinter?
Since the flower tube is sensitive to frost and temperatures below 0 °C mean its end, it should be overwintered. The rhizomes overwinter. Beforehand, the canna is cut down to the ground.
Dig up and clean rhizomes
If you cut back your canna in autumn, you should first look at the leaves. The plant should not be cut down until its leaves have turned brown. The rhizomes draw nutrients from them that they need for the next year. After digging, the rhizomes are freed from soil, for example by shaking or brushing them off.
Housing and overwintering rhizomes
For overwintering, you should choose a place with temperatures between 5 and 10 °C. Caution: If it is warmer, the canna will sprout. Simply put the rhizomes in sand or soil, for example in a box or a pot.
Canna rhizomes: edible and nutritious
If you have a large number of rhizomes and don't want to plant them all, you still don't have to compost them. The rhizomes are not poisonous but can be eaten. You:
- contain a high content of starch
- taste sweet, floury
- need to be cooked for several hours (lots of solid fiber)
- used in Asia to make glass noodles
Tips & Tricks
Do not plant the rhizomes outdoors too early in spring. Wait until the Ice Saints are over in May. Then there is usually no longer any danger of frost.
