Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Understanding Canna Rhizomes
- When to Start the Process
- Tools You Will Need
- How to Dig Canna Rhizomes Properly
- Cleaning and Preparing for Division
- How to Divide Canna Bulbs
- The Importance of Curing
- Choosing the Right Storage Method
- Finding the Perfect Storage Location
- Monitoring Your Cannas Through Winter
- Preparing for Spring Planting
- Creative Ways to Use Your Extra Cannas
- Gardening for All Skill Levels
- Summary of Next Steps
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
Canna lilies bring a bold, tropical energy to the garden that few other plants can match. Their oversized foliage and vibrant, torch-like flowers make them a favorite for adding height and drama to flower beds and large containers. One of the most rewarding aspects of growing these sun-loving plants is that they are incredibly easy to save from one year to the next. By learning how to divide and store canna bulbs, you can turn a single season of beauty into a lifetime of color.
At Longfield Gardens, we believe that gardening should be a relaxing and successful experience for everyone. Saving your canna rhizomes —which are often called "bulbs"— is a simple process that helps you grow your garden collection without any extra cost. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned gardener, the rhythm of lifting and storing these plants in the fall becomes a satisfying way to wrap up the growing season.
In this guide, we will walk you through the straightforward steps of lifting your cannas, dividing the rhizomes for more plants, and keeping them safe through the winter months. If you'd like to browse more options, start with Longfield Gardens' spring-planted summer-blooming bulbs collection. This process ensures that your plants return even stronger and more plentiful when the warm weather returns next spring. Taking a little time now sets the stage for a spectacular display in your landscape next year.
Understanding Canna Rhizomes
Before you begin the process of lifting and dividing, it helps to understand what you are working with. While most gardeners refer to them as "bulbs," cannas actually grow from rhizomes. A rhizome is a thick, fleshy underground stem that grows horizontally just beneath the soil surface. This structure acts as a storage tank for the plant, holding all the energy and nutrients it needs to sprout and bloom.
Each year, a healthy canna plant expands its rhizome system. What started as a single piece in the spring often grows into a heavy, multi-layered clump by the fall. This natural expansion is why dividing is such a helpful practice. It prevents the plants from becoming too crowded and gives you plenty of new starts to plant elsewhere or share with friends.
The success of your cannas next year depends on the health of these rhizomes today. A healthy rhizome should feel firm and heavy for its size. When you look closely at a clump, you will see small, pointed bumps or "eyes." These eyes are the growth points where new stems will emerge. Understanding these simple parts makes the dividing process much easier and more intuitive.
When to Start the Process
Timing is everything when it comes to overwintering tender plants. For most of the United States, cannas are considered "tender perennials." This means they thrive in the heat but cannot survive a deep freeze in the ground. If you live in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 10, your cannas may be able to stay in the ground year-round with a layer of mulch. However, for gardeners in zones 3 through 7, lifting and storing them indoors is the best way to ensure they return.
The best signal to start digging is the first frost of autumn. You will notice that the lush, green leaves will turn brown or black after a night of freezing temperatures. This may look like the end of the plant, but it is actually a helpful natural cue. The frost tells the plant to move its remaining energy down into the rhizome for dormancy.
Wait for that first light frost to hit the foliage before you reach for your shovel. If your area has a very long autumn without frost, you can still lift them once the foliage begins to yellow and the weather turns consistently chilly. This usually happens in late October or November. The goal is to get them out of the ground before the soil itself freezes solid, which can damage the tender tissues of the rhizome.
Tools You Will Need
Having the right tools ready makes the job move quickly and keeps the rhizomes safe from accidental damage. You do not need professional equipment; a few basic garden items will do the trick.
- Garden Fork or Spade: A garden fork is often preferred over a shovel because it is less likely to slice through the rhizomes.
- Pruning Shears or a Sharp Knife: You will need these to cut back the foliage and eventually divide the clumps.
- Garden Hose: A gentle stream of water helps clean away stubborn soil.
- Storage Containers: Cardboard boxes, plastic bins with air holes, or breathable mesh bags work well.
- Packing Material: Peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings help maintain the right moisture balance during storage.
- Labels and a Marker: It is easy to forget which variety is which once the leaves are gone.
Key Takeaway: Preparing your tools and waiting for the first frost ensures the plant is dormant and ready for a safe transition to winter storage.
How to Dig Canna Rhizomes Properly
Lifting a large clump of canna clumps can feel like unearthing a hidden treasure. Because canna rhizomes can grow quite large and spread out horizontally, you want to be careful not to poke or slice them as you dig.
Start by cutting the stalks down. Use your pruning shears to cut the stems about 2 to 4 inches above the soil line. This gives you a "handle" to grab onto and makes the clump much easier to manage. Once the foliage is removed, you can clearly see where the center of the plant is located.
Place your garden fork or spade about 12 inches away from the base of the stems. Pushing the tool straight down into the soil, gently pry upward. Work your way in a circle around the entire clump. By loosening the soil in a wide circle, you reduce the risk of hitting the fleshy rhizomes. Once the soil is loose all the way around, you can gently lift the entire mass out of the ground.
Don't worry if the clump is heavy or covered in soil. At this stage, your main goal is to get it out of the ground in one piece if possible. If the clump is massive, it may naturally break into a few large sections as you lift it, which is perfectly fine.
Cleaning and Preparing for Division
Once the canna plants are out of the ground, they need a bit of cleaning. Shake off the loose soil by hand or gently tap the clump against the ground. If your soil is heavy clay, you might find it helpful to use a garden hose to wash away the dirt. Cleaning the rhizomes makes it much easier to see the "eyes" and the natural joints where the clump can be divided.
After cleaning, let the rhizomes sit in a dry, shaded area for a few hours. This allows the surface moisture to evaporate. If you notice any soft spots, rot, or damage from your shovel, this is the time to address it. Use a clean knife to trim away any damaged or mushy sections. Healthy rhizomes should be light-colored (often white, cream, or pinkish) and firm to the touch.
Identifying the Eyes
Before you start cutting, look for the growth "eyes." These look like small, swollen buds or points on the surface of the rhizome. Each piece you save must have at least one healthy eye to grow a new plant next year. For the best results and a fuller plant, aim for 2 to 3 eyes per division.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
- Remove large chunks of soil by hand.
- Rinse with a gentle spray from the hose if the soil is sticky.
- Trim the remaining stems down to about 1 inch.
- Let the rhizomes air dry out of direct sunlight for a few hours.
- Inspect for any signs of pests or soft spots.
How to Divide Canna Bulbs
Dividing is the most exciting part of the process because it literally multiplies your garden. You can choose to store the clumps whole and divide them in the spring, but many gardeners prefer to divide them in the fall. Dividing now takes up less storage space and allows the cut ends to "callous" or dry over, which can help prevent rot during the winter.
To divide the rhizomes, look for the natural narrow points where the pieces join together. You can often snap these apart by hand. If the clump is very dense and woody, use a sharp, clean knife or a set of bypass pruners. Make clean cuts rather than sawing through the flesh.
Each division should be about the size of a large potato or a bit smaller. As long as each piece has a healthy eye and some fleshy "body" to provide energy, it will grow. If you have a favorite variety, try to make your divisions a uniform size so they grow at a similar rate next spring.
Key Takeaway: Dividing your cannas every year or two keeps the plants vigorous and provides you with extra rhizomes to expand your garden or share with neighbors.
The Importance of Curing
Curing is a simple but vital step that many people skip. After you have cleaned and divided your cannas, they need to "cure" or dry slightly before going into long-term storage. This process allows the cut surfaces to toughen up and form a protective layer, much like a scab on a person. This layer prevents fungus and bacteria from entering the rhizome while it is dormant.
Place your divided rhizomes in a single layer on a tray, a piece of cardboard, or a screen. Keep them in a warm, dry place with good air circulation. An indoor spot like a mudroom, a dry basement, or a garage works well, provided the temperature stays between 60°F and 70°F. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as this can cause them to dry out too much.
Let the rhizomes cure for about 3 to 7 days. At the end of this period, the outside should feel dry and slightly corky. If there were any small nicks or cuts from the division process, they should now look healed and dry. Once they are cured, they are ready for their winter nap.
Choosing the Right Storage Method
The goal of storage is to keep the rhizomes dormant, cool, and just moist enough that they don't shrivel up like raisins, but dry enough that they don't rot. There are several ways to do this, and the best method often depends on what supplies you have on hand.
Using Peat Moss or Vermiculite
One of the most reliable methods is to pack the rhizomes in a breathable material like peat moss, coco coir, or vermiculite. These materials act as insulation and help regulate moisture. Use a cardboard box or a plastic bin with several air holes drilled into the sides.
Place a 2-inch layer of dry peat moss at the bottom, then lay a single layer of rhizomes on top, making sure they aren't touching each other. Cover them with more peat moss and repeat the layers until the box is full. The packing material should be dry or only very slightly damp to the touch.
The Paper Bag Method
If you only have a few rhizomes, you can wrap each one individually in a few sheets of newspaper and place them in a brown paper bag. This provides excellent breathability and keeps the rhizomes separated. This is a great choice for smaller collections or for gardeners who have a very humid storage area.
Mesh Bags
For those with a cool, humid cellar, mesh bags (like the ones onions come in) can work well. This allows for maximum airflow. However, this method carries a higher risk of the rhizomes drying out too much if the air in your home is very dry during the winter.
Finding the Perfect Storage Location
Where you put your containers is just as important as how you pack them. Cannas need a spot that is cool and dark. The ideal temperature range is between 40°F and 50°F. This temperature is cool enough to keep the plants dormant so they don't start growing too early, but warm enough that they won't freeze.
Common storage locations include:
- Unheated Basements: Usually provide the most consistent temperatures.
- Root Cellars: These are naturally humid and cool, which cannas love.
- Crawl Spaces: As long as they are dry and frost-free.
- Attached Garages: Be careful here; garages can fluctuate in temperature. Make sure the containers are moved away from the door and insulated from the cold floor.
Avoid storing cannas in a location that gets too warm, such as near a furnace or water heater. If the temperature stays above 60°F, the rhizomes may think it is spring and start to sprout prematurely, wasting the energy they need for the actual growing season.
Monitoring Your Cannas Through Winter
Storage is not a "set it and forget it" task. It is a good idea to check on your cannas once a month throughout the winter. This simple habit allows you to catch any issues before they spread to the rest of your collection.
Open your boxes or bags and look for any signs of trouble. If a rhizome feels mushy or smells bad, it is likely rotting. Remove it immediately and throw it away so the rot doesn't spread to its neighbors. If the rhizomes look very wrinkled and feel light or brittle, they are drying out too much. You can lightly mist the packing material with a spray bottle of water to add just a touch of humidity.
Most of the time, you will find that your cannas are resting perfectly. If you see a tiny bit of white mold on the surface, don't panic. Gently wipe it off and ensure your storage container has enough airflow. Often, just moving the box to a spot with better circulation solves the problem.
Preparing for Spring Planting
When the days start to get longer and the threat of frost passes, it is time to wake up your cannas. Depending on your climate, you can start them indoors in pots about 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date, or you can wait and plant them directly in the garden once the soil is warm.
Cannas love warm soil. Planting them too early in cold, wet ground can cause them to sit idly or even rot. Wait until the soil temperature reaches at least 60°F. If you aren't sure, a good rule of thumb is to plant them around the same time you would plant tomatoes or peppers.
When you are ready to plant, simply dig a hole about 4 inches deep. Lay the rhizome horizontally with the eyes pointing up. Space them about 1 to 2 feet apart, depending on the variety. Cover them with soil, give them a good drink of water, and wait for those first green shoots to poke through the surface.
Key Takeaway: Checking your storage containers monthly and waiting for warm soil in the spring are the final steps to ensuring a beautiful, healthy canna display.
Creative Ways to Use Your Extra Cannas
Because cannas are so easy to divide, you will quickly find yourself with more plants than you started with. This is a wonderful "problem" to have! You can use these extra divisions to create new focal points in your yard or even use them in different ways.
Cannas grow exceptionally well in large containers. A single large rhizome in a 12-inch pot creates a stunning vertical accent for a patio or balcony. You can also plant them in "drifts" or long rows to create a temporary summer privacy screen. Their height makes them perfect for hiding a fence or an unsightly utility box.
Don't forget that extra rhizomes make excellent gifts for friends and family. Since you have already done the work of lifting, dividing, and storing them, sharing a few pieces is a thoughtful way to spread the joy of gardening. Include a small note with planting instructions to help your friends get started.
Gardening for All Skill Levels
At Longfield Gardens, we want every person to feel confident in their ability to grow a beautiful landscape. Saving canna lilies is a perfect example of how a few simple steps can lead to huge rewards. It doesn't require a degree in botany or expensive equipment—just a little bit of time and attention to the needs of the plant.
Gardening is a journey of discovery. Each year that you divide and store your canna bulbs, you learn a little more about how they grow and what they need to thrive. If one year doesn't go perfectly, don't be discouraged. The beauty of gardening is that every spring offers a fresh start and a new opportunity to see what you can achieve.
By following the simple steps of waiting for frost, digging carefully, dividing with an eye for growth points, and storing in a cool, dark place, you are mastering one of the most useful skills in the garden. These tropical beauties will reward your efforts with months of stunning color and lush foliage, year after year.
Summary of Next Steps
To make the process as easy as possible, here is a quick checklist for your autumn canna care:
- Wait for the first frost to turn the foliage brown before you begin digging.
- Cut the stems back to a few inches and carefully lift the clumps with a garden fork.
- Clean the rhizomes and let them cure in a dry, shaded area for several days.
- Divide the clumps into pieces with at least 2 to 3 "eyes" each using a clean knife.
- Pack the cured rhizomes in dry peat moss or newspaper within a breathable container.
- Store the containers in a cool, dark place (40-50°F) and check them monthly for moisture.
Dividing and storing canna rhizomes is a simple, rewarding rhythm that protects your investment and ensures your garden will be filled with tropical color every single summer.
Conclusion
Managing your canna lilies through the winter is one of those gardening tasks that provides a great sense of accomplishment. It marks the transition from the busy growing season to the quiet reflection of winter. By taking these few simple steps to divide and store your bulbs, you are ensuring that the vibrant beauty of your summer garden is preserved and ready to thrive again.
We are proud to support you in creating a yard that brings you joy. Whether you are growing a single pot of cannas on a sunny porch or a long border of these tropical giants, the care you provide now will pay off in spectacular blooms next year. At Longfield Gardens, we are always here to help you grow your best garden yet with quality plants and practical advice.
The next step is easy: keep an eye on the weather forecast for that first frost. Once it arrives, grab your garden fork and start the simple, satisfying process of preparing your cannas for their winter rest. You will be so glad you did when those first bright green shoots appear next spring.
FAQ
How many eyes should each canna division have?
For the best results, each division should have at least 2 to 3 "eyes," which are the small, pointed buds where new growth begins. While a single eye can produce a plant, having multiple eyes ensures a fuller, more vigorous plant with more stems in its first season.
Can I store my cannas in the garage?
You can store cannas in a garage as long as it stays cool but never freezes. If your garage temperatures drop below 40°F, you should move the containers to a basement or crawl space. Always keep the containers off the concrete floor by placing them on a shelf or a piece of wooden pallet to provide better insulation.
Do I need to wash the soil off the rhizomes before storing?
It is generally a good idea to remove the majority of the soil, as it makes it easier to inspect for pests and rot. While you don't need to get them perfectly clean, rinsing away heavy clay soil helps you see the eyes for more accurate dividing and allows the rhizomes to dry more evenly during the curing process.
What should I do if my stored cannas start sprouting in February?
If your cannas start to sprout early, it usually means their storage location is too warm. Move them to a cooler spot (around 40-45°F) to slow down the growth. If the sprouts are already several inches long, you can pot them up in containers and grow them in a bright window until it is warm enough to move them outside.