Question
i have winterized my cannas and now it time to repleant...how do i divide the bulbs without damaging them?


Answer
Dividing rhizomatous perennials is always a rough learning experience for those who have never done it before.  There's a first time for everything, my friend.  Take a deep breath and don't worry about this exercise.  Practice makes perfect.  It is much harder to drive a stick shift, work the remote control on a tv, whip egg whites.  Remember that when you stand at the table with your surgical tools and begin to slice.

How to divide Canna Rhizomes: First, carefully shake off excess Soil and brush any dried Soil and debris from the Rhizome.  You should be able to see the eyes/growth points ('buds' -- just like the eyes on an old Potato) very cleary.  There may be some obvious places to divide -- go with the flow.  If you have ever grown Dahlias, you will be familiar with this procedure.

Remove old, dead leaves with a scissors or sharp knife.

Now slice right through the Rhizome.   You should have at least 3 eyes on each piece.  These are ready to plant in the garden as soon as the Soil is warmed up.  Plant everything, and try to make a point of remember exactly what you did -- how and where you sliced, the number of eyes, how you determined where to make your cuts, what instruments you used.  Next year, with the results behind you, it will be the voice of experience guiding your hand.

Just remember there is NO SUCH THING as a Green Thumb.  All this work takes practice, practice, practice.  We have all made our share of big mistakes.  And little ones.  Do this once, and you will never have to do it for the First Time ever again.  Any more questions, let me know.  Thanks for writing,

L.I.G.