Canna roots..what am I supposed to do with these???

Hi, All - I bought these two beautiful Cleopatra Cannas this past summer in large containers and grew them in there all year. Two weeks ago (just before frost) I had to cut the pots apart to get the root balls out (the pots were all cracking with roots sticking out). I washed as much soil away with the hose as I could and have let them dry now for two weeks. Here is what they look like now...

What am I supposed to do with these?? Can I slice down from the top between the stalks and make individual plants. Will I harm them if I cut through them like that?
Or should I leave them as they are and repot them next spring as the big globs they are? This is my first experience with these..so pardon my ignorance.

Diane

Here is pic of this Canna I took shortly before I had to put her to sleep. You can see why I want to do the right thing by these lovelies and have them for next year.

Diane

Diane,

You cut them so each piece has an eye or two. Store they in a cool place for the winter. I just lay mine in a box and sit in a cool place. Check them now and than to make sure they aren't molding or drying out two much. I am sure someone else will put in their two cents worht. :)

Diane Honibee

One more thing I forgot is I dip mine in bleach water. ONE Tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water.

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I just grew cannas for the first time this year and will be looking to see what kind of additional advice you get on this subject.

Honibee - do you always cut them back to an eye or two, rather than keeping the whole clump? What's the reason for this? I was thinking of keeping my clumps intact - but would they crowd each other next year?

I'll remember the bleach and do that today.

The bleach wont be as long lasting as Flowers of Sulfur or whatever way you guys spell Sulphur.

I wouldnt cut them into pieces until next spring. It will leaves way too many cut surfaces for something to go wrong.

Just watch your cannas and other bulbs/rhizomes for drying out. I have forced air heat in my basement, and even though it always feels cool in there, it drys them. I have lost many to drying up too much, it all depends on the conditions where you store them. I also keep mine covered with sand to help them stay plump, and I think keeping them together until spring will help that also. I would separate them before planting though, as they multiply rapidly, and would be way too crowded. Hope this gives another perspective!! Legit