- 1). Use the garden hose to saturate the spot where the canna rhizome (sometimes referred to as a "bulb") is buried to soften the soil and make it more malleable.
- 2). Dig into the ground several inches from where you think the rhizome is and carefully scoop it out. Give it a wide berth to avoid accidentally piercing it with the pitchfork's prongs.
- 3). Spray any clumps of matted soil or mud off of the rhizome and its roots.
- 4). Dip the canna rhizome in the bleach solution for 10 seconds to kill of any diseases it may be susceptible to.
- 5). Repeat for each clump of canna. Discard any canna where you were unable to get disease or infestation under control as you will not want to store them with healthy rhizomes.
- 6). Lay the canna rhizomes on top of a horizontally-placed window screen or a cooling rack to dry out. Be sure the bottom of the screen is set up from the surface it is on to allow circulation on all sides of the rhizomes. The drying process is important because it will prevent the rhizomes from rotting when they are stored.
- 7). Store the rack of canna in a shaded, cool place for two days. Ideal locations are garages, laundry rooms, and basements. Canna should be kept at around 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 8). Trim the dried leaves off the rhizomes with your pruners and transfer them to a container. Fill it with peat moss or vermiculite or another loose dry material such as sand or wood shavings. Return the rhizomes to the shaded, cool room and plant them outdoors in spring after the threat of frost has passed.
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