Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Understanding Your Garden Environment
- The Importance of Timing
- Preparing the Plants for Digging
- The Digging Process
- Cleaning and Curing Your Rhizomes
- To Divide or Not to Divide
- Choosing the Best Storage Medium
- Finding the Perfect Winter Home
- Monitoring Your Cannas Through Winter
- Storing Container-Grown Cannas
- Getting a Head Start in Spring
- Common Myths About Canna Storage
- Why We Love Cannas
- Summary of Success
- FAQ
Introduction
The lush, tropical foliage and vibrant blooms of cannas are a highlight of the summer garden. These plants bring a sense of the tropics to any backyard, and watching them grow taller each week is one of the most rewarding parts of the season. When autumn arrives and the weather begins to cool, many gardeners wonder how to keep that beauty alive for next year. While cannas are incredibly hardy in heat, they are tender to the cold and need a little extra care in northern climates.
At Longfield Gardens, we want to help you enjoy these spectacular plants year after year. For more canna options, browse our Spring-Planted Summer-Blooming Bulbs collection. Storing your canna rhizomes—often called bulbs—is a simple and satisfying way to save your favorite varieties. It is an easy process that even a beginner can master with confidence. By following a few straightforward steps, you can keep your cannas safe and dormant through the winter months.
This guide will walk you through the entire process, from the first frost to the final storage spot. We will cover the best timing for digging, how to clean and prep the rhizomes, and the ideal conditions for winter storage. Our goal is to make this annual task feel like a natural and enjoyable part of your gardening routine, and our 100% Quality Guarantee backs that promise.
Learning how to store canna rhizomes allows you to build a larger collection over time with the Canna Assorted Mix - Bulk Offer, and ensure a stunning display every summer.
Understanding Your Garden Environment
Before you grab your shovel, it is helpful to know if you actually need to dig up your cannas. The answer depends entirely on your local climate and your USDA hardiness zone. Most cannas are tropical or subtropical plants that thrive in warm weather but cannot survive a deep freeze in the soil.
If you live in USDA zones 8 through 11, your soil usually stays warm enough that the rhizomes can remain in the ground all year. In these warmer regions, you can simply cut the foliage back to the ground after it turns brown and perhaps add a light layer of mulch. This mulch acts like a blanket to keep the moisture consistent and the soil temperature stable.
However, for gardeners in zone 7, the decision is a bit of a toss-up. In a mild winter, cannas in zone 7 often survive just fine with heavy mulching. If you have a particularly cold winter or very wet soil, they might struggle. Many gardeners in this zone choose to dig up a few of their favorites as insurance while leaving others in the ground.
If you are in zone 6 or colder, digging is a must. The ground in these areas freezes deep enough to reach the rhizomes, which would cause them to turn to mush. At Longfield Gardens, we find that digging them up is a great opportunity to inspect your plants and prepare for an even bigger show the following spring.
Key Takeaway: Check your USDA hardiness zone first. If you are in zone 6 or colder, plan to dig and store your cannas to keep them healthy for next season.
The Importance of Timing
Timing is the most important factor when learning how to store my canna bulbs for the winter. You want to give the plants as much time as possible to store energy in their rhizomes. These thick, underground stems act like a battery, holding all the food the plant needs to sprout again in the spring.
The best signal to start the process is the first light frost of the season. A light frost will usually turn the edges of the leaves brown or black, telling the plant that the growing season is over. This cold snap sends a chemical signal to the plant to move its remaining energy down into the roots and go dormant.
While you can dig them up before the frost if you are expecting a busy schedule, waiting for that first chill is ideal. However, do not wait until the ground itself freezes hard. You want to get the rhizomes out of the soil while the earth is still workable and before the deep cold can cause any damage to the fleshy roots.
What to Look For
- Foliage changes: The leaves will lose their bright green or bronze color and start to look wilted or blackened.
- Weather patterns: Keep an eye on your local forecast for the first night where temperatures dip to 32°F or slightly below.
- Soil condition: Dig before the fall rains make the soil too muddy or heavy to handle easily.
Preparing the Plants for Digging
Once the frost has kissed the leaves, it is time to prepare the plants. Start by cutting the stalks down. Use a clean pair of garden shears or a sharp knife to cut the stems about 4 to 6 inches above the soil line. Leaving a few inches of the stalk gives you a "handle" to hold onto while you are digging and helps you keep track of where the rhizomes are located.
Clear away any mulch or fallen leaves from around the base of the plant. This makes it easier to see exactly where the clump begins. Cannas grow from rhizomes that spread horizontally, so the clump might be wider than you expect. Having a clear view of the area helps you avoid accidentally hitting the rhizomes with your tools.
It is also helpful to have your storage supplies ready before you start digging. This includes boxes or bins, storage medium like peat moss or newspaper, and a way to label your varieties. If you have different colors of cannas, Spring Planted Bulbs By Color can help you plan your garden design effectively next spring.
The Digging Process
Digging up cannas is a straightforward physical task, but it requires a gentle touch. The rhizomes are fleshy and can be easily bruised or cut. While a small nick won't usually kill the plant, intact rhizomes are much less likely to develop issues during their winter nap.
Choosing the Right Tools
A garden fork is often the best tool for this job. The tines of a fork can slide into the soil and lift the clump without cutting through the rhizomes as easily as a solid spade might. If you only have a shovel, just be sure to give the plant plenty of space.
Lifting the Clump
- Start wide: Place your fork or shovel about 10 to 12 inches away from the main stalks. This ensures you stay clear of the growing tips.
- Loosen the soil: Push the tool deep into the ground and gently rock it back and forth. Repeat this all the way around the plant to break the soil's grip.
- Lift gently: Once the soil is loose, slide your tool under the center of the clump and lift upward.
- Shake off the excess: Use your hands to gently brush away large clods of dirt. The rhizomes should come out as a large, heavy mass.
What to do next:
- Move the clumps to a flat, dry area like a garage floor or a tarp.
- Label each clump immediately with its variety or color.
- Inspect the rhizomes for any soft spots or signs of damage.
- Discard any pieces that feel hollow or mushy right away.
Cleaning and Curing Your Rhizomes
Once the cannas are out of the ground, they need a little bit of "me time" before they go into storage. This stage is known as curing. Curing allows the outer skin of the rhizome to toughen up slightly, which helps prevent rot and keeps the moisture inside the plant where it belongs.
For a broader overview of winter care, see our Winter Storage for Tender Bulbs and Tubers. Some gardeners prefer to wash their rhizomes with a garden hose to remove all the soil. This makes them very clean and easy to inspect. If you do this, it is vital that you let them dry completely. Others prefer to let the soil dry on the rhizomes and then gently brush it off with a soft brush. Both methods work well, so choose the one that fits your preference.
To cure the cannas, spread them out in a single layer in a well-ventilated area that is protected from rain and frost. A garage, a shed, or a covered porch is perfect. Let them sit for two to three days. You will notice the exterior feeling a bit more papery and dry to the touch. This simple step significantly increases your success rate during the winter months.
To Divide or Not to Divide
A common question we hear is whether to divide the clumps in the fall or wait until the spring. The answer is that you can do either! Cannas are very productive, and a single rhizome planted in May can turn into a large mass by October.
Dividing in the Fall
If you have limited storage space, dividing in the fall is a great idea. It allows you to pack more plants into a smaller container. When dividing, look for the "eyes" on the rhizome. These are small, rounded bumps that will become next year's shoots. Each division should have at least two or three healthy eyes and a good chunk of the fleshy root attached.
Dividing in the Spring
Many gardeners prefer to leave the clumps whole for the winter. The larger mass of the clump can help protect the inner rhizomes from drying out too much. If you choose this route, you can simply pull the clumps apart or cut them with a knife in the spring just before planting. This is often easier because you can clearly see which eyes are starting to wake up and sprout.
Regardless of when you divide, always use a clean, sharp knife. If you want to be extra careful, you can dip your tool in a diluted bleach solution or rubbing alcohol between different plants to keep everything healthy.
Choosing the Best Storage Medium
Canna rhizomes are like Goldilocks—they don't want to be too wet, and they don't want to be too dry. If they stay too damp, they will rot. If they get bone-dry, they will shrivel up and lose their vitality. The goal of your storage medium is to maintain a very light, consistent level of humidity.
There are several great options for packing your cannas:
- Peat Moss: This is a classic choice. It holds a tiny bit of moisture but stays loose enough to allow air to circulate.
- Vermiculite or Perlite: These minerals are excellent for moisture control and are very clean to work with.
- Wood Shavings or Sawdust: Make sure these are from untreated wood. They provide great insulation.
- Newspaper: Wrapping individual rhizomes in several layers of dry newspaper is a simple, low-cost method that works surprisingly well.
- Cardboard Boxes: Storing the rhizomes in cardboard boxes rather than plastic bins allows the plants to "breathe," which prevents the buildup of excess moisture.
If you use a storage medium like peat moss, it should be barely damp—similar to a sponge that has been wrung out as hard as possible. Most of the time, the natural moisture remaining in the cured rhizome is enough to get through the winter without adding extra water.
Finding the Perfect Winter Home
The location where you keep your stored cannas is just as important as how you pack them. You are looking for a spot that stays cool but never reaches freezing temperatures. The ideal temperature range is between 45°F and 55°F.
A cool, dark basement is often the best choice for many home gardeners. An unheated crawl space or a temperature-controlled garage can also work well. Avoid spots near a furnace, water heater, or heating vents, as the warmth will either wake the plants up too early or dry them out completely.
If you are using a plastic tote instead of a cardboard box, do not put the lid on tightly. Leave it cracked or drill several holes in the sides of the bin to allow for airflow. Stagnant air is the primary cause of mold and rot in stored bulbs and rhizomes.
Key Takeaway: Place your containers in a dark, cool, and dry spot. Consistent temperatures are the secret to keeping cannas dormant and healthy until spring.
Monitoring Your Cannas Through Winter
Once your cannas are tucked away, your job is mostly done, but it is a good idea to check on them about once a month. This small effort ensures that if a problem starts, you can catch it early.
During your monthly check, look for any signs of soft spots or fuzzy mold. If you find a rhizome that is starting to rot, remove it immediately so the problem doesn't spread to its neighbors. If the rhizomes look very shriveled and feel lightweight, you can give the storage medium a very light misting with a spray bottle. You only want to add a tiny bit of humidity, not soak the roots.
If you find that your cannas are starting to sprout white or green shoots in the middle of February, they are likely too warm. Move the box to a slightly cooler part of your storage area to slow them down. It is normal for them to stay sleepy and quiet until the days start getting longer in the spring.
Storing Container-Grown Cannas
If you grow your cannas in pots, the storage process is even easier. You don't necessarily have to dig them out of the soil at all. After the first frost hits the foliage, cut the stalks down as you would with garden-grown plants.
Move the entire pot—soil and all—into your cool, dark storage area. The dry soil in the pot acts as the perfect storage medium, protecting the rhizomes from temperature swings. Do not water the pots during the winter. In the spring, you can bring the pots back out into the sun, give them a fresh layer of compost or fertilizer, and start watering them again to wake them up.
This method is a fantastic time-saver and works very well for short cannas that spend their lives on patios or balconies. If the pot becomes too crowded after a few years, you can tip it over in the spring, divide the rhizomes, and repot them with fresh soil.
Getting a Head Start in Spring
As the winter begins to fade, you will likely feel the itch to get back into the garden. One of the benefits of storing your own canna rhizomes is that you can get a head start on the growing season. About 4 to 6 weeks before your last expected frost date, you can "wake up" your cannas indoors.
Waking Them Up
- Inspect one last time: Take the rhizomes out of their winter bedding and check for health.
- Pot them up: Place them in containers with a high-quality potting mix.
- Find the sun: Put the pots in a bright, sunny window or under a grow light.
- Water lightly: Start with just a little water. As the green shoots appear, you can increase the watering.
By the time the weather is warm enough to plant outside, you will have established plants that are several inches tall. For more ideas as you plan ahead, browse our Shop All - Shop Spring Planted Bulbs. This can lead to earlier blooms and a much longer season of color. We love this technique because it makes the most of every warm day of the summer.
Common Myths About Canna Storage
There is a lot of advice online about storing cannas, and some of it can be a bit confusing. One common myth is that you must use fungicide powders on the rhizomes before storing them. While professional growers sometimes use these, most home gardeners find they aren't necessary if the rhizomes are properly cured and kept at the right temperature.
Another myth is that cannas must be stored in total darkness. While a dark spot helps keep them dormant, a little bit of ambient light won't hurt them as long as the temperature remains cool. The temperature is much more influential than the light level when it comes to preventing early sprouting.
Finally, some people believe you should never wash the rhizomes with water. As we discussed earlier, washing is perfectly fine as long as you allow for a full curing period afterward. The goal is to avoid putting wet plants into a closed box, which is a recipe for trouble.
Why We Love Cannas
At Longfield Gardens, we believe cannas are one of the most versatile plants you can grow. They work beautifully as a backdrop in a perennial bed, as a focal point in a large container, or even as a temporary privacy screen. Because they are so easy to store and divide, they are also a very economical choice for the garden.
The satisfaction of pulling a healthy, firm rhizome out of a box in April that you saved yourself in October is a wonderful feeling. It connects you to the cycle of the seasons and makes you a more confident gardener. Whether you are growing a classic tall orange variety or a modern dwarf canna with striped leaves, Tall Cannas offer plenty of dramatic choices for summer color.
Gardening should always be an enjoyable and rewarding activity. Taking the time to store your cannas is a simple investment that pays off in a big way when those first tropical leaves unfurl in the summer sun.
Summary of Success
Storing your cannas doesn't have to be a chore. If you focus on a few key steps—timing your dig with the frost, curing the rhizomes properly, and finding a cool, stable storage spot—you will have great results. It is a process that rewards patience and observation.
Final Checklist for Storage:
- Wait for the first frost to turn foliage brown.
- Cut stalks to 4-6 inches and dig wide to avoid damage.
- Cure rhizomes in a protected area for 2-3 days.
- Pack in a breathable container with a light storage medium.
- Store in a cool, dark place (45-55°F) and check monthly.
We encourage you to try storing your cannas this year. It is a great way to expand your garden and ensure your favorite colors return every summer. If you have any questions along the way, our Shipping Information page can help you plan spring orders, and we are always here to help you grow your most beautiful garden yet.
FAQ
When is the best time to dig up my canna rhizomes?
The ideal time to dig cannas is shortly after the first light frost kills the foliage. This frost signals the plant to go dormant and store its energy in the rhizomes. In most northern climates, this typically happens in late September or October.
Can I leave my cannas in the ground if I live in zone 7?
In zone 7, cannas can often survive the winter if they are planted in a protected area and covered with a thick layer of mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves. However, because a particularly cold or wet winter can still cause damage, many gardeners choose to dig up at least a few rhizomes to ensure they have them for next year.
What is the best material to pack cannas in for the winter?
Peat moss, wood shavings, and newspaper are all excellent choices. The goal is to use a material that holds a tiny bit of humidity while still allowing air to circulate. Avoid using airtight plastic bags, as these trap moisture and can lead to rot.
Do I need to water my stored cannas during the winter?
Most of the time, you do not need to water your stored cannas. You want them to stay dormant and dry. However, if you check them mid-winter and the rhizomes look very shriveled or feel light, you can lightly mist the storage medium with a spray bottle to add a tiny amount of moisture. For more general bulb-care answers, see our FAQs - General Bulbs and Plants.