Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Understanding the Canna Life Cycle
- When to Start the Storage Process
- How to Dig Canna Rhizomes Safely
- Cleaning and Curing Your Rhizomes
- Choosing the Right Storage Container
- Packing Media: Which Material is Best?
- Finding the Perfect Storage Location
- Monitoring Your Cannas Through the Winter
- Preparing for Spring Replanting
- Enjoying the Rewards of Your Effort
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
Canna lilies bring a bold, tropical energy to the garden with their vibrant flowers and oversized, architectural foliage. There is a special kind of satisfaction in seeing these tall beauties reach their peak in late summer. For many gardeners, these plants become the highlights of the landscape, and saying goodbye to them at the end of the season can be difficult.
The good news is that you do not have to buy new plants every year. Storing canna lilies, which are technically known as rhizomes, is a simple and rewarding process. By taking a few easy steps in the fall, you can preserve your favorite varieties and enjoy even larger, more impressive displays the following spring. At Longfield Gardens, we enjoy helping you get the most value and beauty out of every plant in your yard.
This guide will walk you through the entire process of lifting, cleaning, and storing your cannas. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned gardener, you will find that overwintering these tropical treasures is a straightforward task that ensures your garden stays lush year after year. Learning the best way to protect these plants during the cold months is the key to a successful spring start.
Understanding the Canna Life Cycle
Before you start digging, it helps to understand what is happening beneath the soil. While we often call them "bulbs," cannas actually grow from rhizomes. A rhizome is a thick, fleshy underground stem that stores energy for the plant. During the summer, the plant uses this energy to produce those famous leaves and flowers.
As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, the canna begins to move its energy back down into the rhizome. This is a natural preparation for dormancy. In warmer climates, such as USDA zones 8 through 11, the ground stays warm enough that the rhizomes can remain in the soil all year. However, in zones 6 and colder, the freezing winter temperatures will damage the tender tissue if they are left unprotected.
Storing these rhizomes is essentially giving the plant a safe place to rest. By mimicking the conditions of a mild winter—cool temperatures and just enough moisture to prevent shriveling—you keep the plant alive but inactive. When the soil warms up again in the spring, the rhizome is ready to wake up and start the growing process all over again. For more on this plant’s seasonal habits, see All About Cannas.
When to Start the Storage Process
Timing is one of the most important factors when storing canna flower bulbs. You want to give the plant as much time as possible to store energy, but you must move before the ground freezes solid.
The best signal to look for is the first frost of autumn. A light frost will usually turn the lush green or bronze leaves into a dark, wilted brown. While this might look disappointing at first, it is actually a helpful sign from nature. The frost tells the plant that the growing season is over and it is time to go dormant.
If you live in an area where a killing frost is late to arrive, you can still begin the process in late autumn once the plant naturally begins to yellow. However, waiting for that first frost is often better because it ensures the rhizome has reached its maximum size and energy capacity for the year.
Key Takeaway: Wait for the first frost to blacken the foliage before you begin digging. This natural signal ensures the plant is ready for its dormant period.
How to Dig Canna Rhizomes Safely
Once the foliage has been hit by frost, you are ready to lift the plants. The goal is to get the rhizomes out of the ground without bruising or cutting them. Any wounds on the rhizome can become entry points for rot or disease during the winter months.
Step 1: Cut Back the Foliage
Use a clean pair of garden shears or a sharp knife to cut the stalks down. You should leave about 2 to 4 inches of the stem attached to the rhizome. This small handle makes it easier to move the clumps around and helps you identify which side is "up" when you replant them in the spring.
Step 2: Loosen the Soil
Cannas can grow quite large over a single summer. A single small rhizome planted in May can turn into a massive clump by October. Because of this, you should start digging at least a foot away from the base of the stems. Use a garden fork or a sturdy spade to gently loosen the soil all the way around the plant.
Step 3: Lift the Clump
Once the soil is loose, slide your tool underneath the clump and pry it upward. Try to lift the entire mass at once. If the clump is too heavy, you may need to carefully split it with your spade, but keeping it intact for now is generally safer for the health of the rhizomes.
Step 4: Initial Soil Removal
Pick up the clump and gently shake it to remove the largest chunks of dirt. You do not need to get them perfectly clean at this stage. Avoid banging the rhizomes against hard surfaces, as they are quite fleshy and can bruise easily.
Cleaning and Curing Your Rhizomes
After the rhizomes are out of the ground, they need a little bit of preparation before they go into their winter containers. This phase includes cleaning away excess debris and "curing" the outer skin. If you want a broader step-by-step growing reference, How to Plant and Grow Your Canna Lilly Bulb is a helpful companion guide.
Should You Wash Your Canna Bulbs?
There is some debate among gardeners about whether to wash rhizomes with water. Some prefer to let the soil dry and then brush it off, while others prefer to spray them with a hose.
If your soil is heavy clay, washing them with a gentle stream of water can help you see the health of the rhizomes more clearly. It also helps you spot any garden pests that might be trying to hitch a ride into storage. If you do wash them, it is vital that you allow them to dry completely afterward. Excess moisture is the primary cause of rot during storage.
The Curing Process
Curing is the practice of letting the rhizomes sit in a dry, protected area for a few days. This allows the outer skin to toughen up and any small nicks to "callus" over.
- Find a spot that is out of direct sunlight but has good air circulation. A garage, a shed, or a covered porch works well.
- Spread the rhizomes out in a single layer. Do not stack them.
- Let them sit for 2 to 7 days depending on the humidity.
- The goal is for the exterior to feel dry to the touch and for any remaining soil to crumble away easily.
Choosing the Right Storage Container
The way you pack your cannas will depend on the space you have available and the humidity levels in your home. There is no single "perfect" container, but there are several reliable methods that we have seen work well for home gardeners.
Cardboard Boxes and Paper Bags
These are the most common choices because they are breathable. Breathability is important because it prevents moisture from getting trapped around the rhizomes. If you use a cardboard box, you can layer the rhizomes between sheets of newspaper or packing material.
Plastic Totes
Plastic bins are great for stacking and keeping things tidy, but they can trap moisture. If you choose a plastic tote, do not put the lid on tightly. Some gardeners even drill small holes in the sides of the bin to ensure air can circulate.
Storage in Pots
If you grow your cannas in containers, you have a very easy option. You can simply cut the foliage back and move the entire pot into a cool, frost-free area like a basement. You won't need to water the pot at all during the winter. The dry soil in the pot acts as a natural insulating material for the rhizomes.
What to do next:
- Check your storage area's temperature with a basic thermometer.
- Gather your packing materials (peat moss, newspaper, or wood shavings).
- Label your boxes by color or variety so you know what is what in the spring.
Packing Media: Which Material is Best?
When storing canna flower bulbs, you shouldn't just throw them into an empty box. Using a packing medium helps regulate moisture levels. It prevents the rhizomes from drying out completely while also absorbing any excess dampness that could lead to mold.
Peat Moss or Coco Coir
Peat moss is a favorite because it is slightly acidic and very good at holding just the right amount of moisture. It is lightweight and easy to work with. Coco coir is a sustainable alternative that provides similar benefits.
Vermiculite or Perlite
These mineral-based materials are excellent for drainage and aeration. They are very clean and do not harbor many pathogens. They are a bit more expensive than peat moss but can be reused for many years.
Wood Shavings or Sawdust
If you have access to untreated wood shavings (like the kind used for animal bedding), these make an excellent packing material. They provide great insulation and are very breathable. Avoid using shavings from treated lumber, as the chemicals could harm the plants.
Newspaper
For a low-cost option, shredded or bundled newspaper works surprisingly well. It provides a dry cushion and is easy to check during the winter. If you notice a rhizome starting to rot, the newspaper helps prevent that rot from spreading to its neighbors.
Finding the Perfect Storage Location
The location you choose for your stored cannas is just as important as the way you pack them. You are looking for a "Goldilocks" environment: not too hot, not too cold, and not too dry.
The Ideal Temperature Range
The magic number for canna storage is between 40°F and 50°F. If the temperature stays in this range, the rhizomes will remain dormant. If it gets much warmer than 55°F, the plants may think it is spring and start to sprout prematurely. If the temperature drops below freezing, the water inside the rhizomes will expand and destroy the plant tissue.
Common Storage Spots
- Unheated Basements: Usually the most consistent spot in the house. Stay away from the furnace or water heater.
- Crawl Spaces: These often stay cool and slightly humid, which cannas love.
- Attached Garages: This can work, but you must be careful. If the garage is not insulated, it may get too cold during a deep freeze.
- Root Cellars: These provide the traditional environment for storing bulbs and tubers.
At Longfield Gardens, we recommend checking your storage spot a few times during the early winter to make sure the temperature is staying within that safe 40°F to 50°F window. If you are still choosing plants for next season, browse our Medium Cannas for a range of mid-height options.
Monitoring Your Cannas Through the Winter
Storage is not a "set it and forget it" task. To ensure your cannas make it to spring in peak condition, you should check on them about once a month. This small effort can save your entire collection if an issue arises.
What to Look For
When you open your storage boxes, look for two main problems: rot and shriveling.
Signs of Rot: If a rhizome feels soft, mushy, or has a foul smell, it is rotting. You should immediately remove any affected rhizomes and throw them away. If the rot is only on a small tip, you can sometimes cut it off with a clean knife and let the remaining piece dry out before repacking it.
Signs of Shriveling: If the rhizomes look very wrinkled or feel extremely light and brittle, they are losing too much moisture. They should feel firm, like a fresh ginger root. If they are shriveling, use a spray bottle to lightly mist the packing medium. Do not soak the rhizomes directly; just add a tiny bit of humidity back into the box.
Airing Them Out
During your monthly check, leave the boxes open for an hour or two to let fresh air circulate. This simple step helps prevent stagnant air from encouraging mold growth.
Preparing for Spring Replanting
As the winter begins to fade, you will start to see signs of life in your storage boxes. Small white or pink "eyes" or buds may begin to swell on the rhizomes. This is an exciting sign that your cannas are ready for another season.
When to Bring Them Out
You should wait until the danger of frost has passed before planting cannas directly into the garden. If you want to get a head start, you can "wake them up" indoors about 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date. Place the rhizomes in pots with potting soil and keep them in a warm, sunny window. If you need a quick reference for placement, How Deep to Plant Canna Lily Bulbs in the Ground covers the basics.
Dividing Your Rhizomes
Spring is the best time to divide your canna clumps. If your rhizomes grew significantly over the previous summer, you can break or cut them into smaller sections. Each section must have at least one or two healthy "eyes" to grow into a new plant. Dividing your cannas is a great way to increase your garden's beauty for free or to have plants to share with friends and neighbors.
Enjoying the Rewards of Your Effort
There is a unique joy in seeing a plant you cared for over the winter burst back into life. By storing canna flower bulbs, you are participating in a long-standing gardening tradition that connects the seasons. It turns a one-time purchase into a lifelong garden companion.
Remember that gardening is a learning experience. Every year, you will get a better feel for the specific microclimate of your home and which storage methods work best for you. If a few rhizomes don't make it through the winter, don't be discouraged. Even expert gardeners lose a few plants now and then to unexpected temperature swings or humidity changes.
At Longfield Gardens, we stand behind the quality of our plants with a 100% guarantee. We want you to feel confident and successful in your gardening journey. By following these simple steps for lifting and storing your cannas, you are well on your way to another spectacular summer of tropical color and lush foliage. If you want to compare available offerings, start with our Assorted Cannas.
Conclusion
Storing canna flower bulbs is an easy way to protect your garden investment and enjoy your favorite flowers for years. By waiting for the first frost, curing the rhizomes properly, and keeping them in a cool, dark place, you ensure they stay healthy during their winter nap. This process is rewarding, sustainable, and surprisingly simple once you get the hang of the basics.
- Wait for a frost to signal the plant to go dormant before digging.
- Cure the rhizomes for a few days to toughen the skin and prevent rot.
- Store in a cool, breathable container between 40°F and 50°F.
- Check monthly for any signs of shriveling or soft spots.
Storing your own cannas allows you to preserve rare varieties and grow your garden collection over time. It is one of the most cost-effective ways to maintain a high-impact, beautiful landscape.
We invite you to explore our selection of premium canna varieties to add even more color to your yard next season. With a little care this fall, your garden will be ready to shine again as soon as the warm weather returns.
FAQ
Can I store canna flower bulbs in my garage?
You can store them in a garage as long as it stays above freezing. Most canna rhizomes will be damaged if the temperature drops below 32°F for an extended period. If your garage is uninsulated and you live in a very cold climate, a basement or crawl space is usually a safer choice to ensure they stay in that 40°F to 50°F range. For zone-specific planning, check the Hardiness Zone Map.
Do I need to wash all the dirt off before storing them?
It is not strictly necessary to wash them, and many gardeners simply shake off the loose soil. However, removing excess dirt can help you spot pests or rot before you pack them away. If you choose to wash your rhizomes, the most important step is to let them dry completely during the curing phase so that no moisture is trapped in the storage container. For shipment timing and seasonal delivery details, see Shipping Information.
What should I do if my stored cannas look wrinkled in February?
Wrinkled rhizomes are a sign of dehydration. If they feel light and look shriveled, they need a small amount of moisture. You can lightly mist the packing material (like peat moss or newspaper) with a spray bottle. Be careful not to make the material wet; you just want it to be slightly damp to the touch to help the rhizomes rehydrate.
Can I divide my cannas in the fall before I store them?
While you can divide them in the fall, it is generally better to wait until spring. Cutting the rhizomes creates open wounds that are more susceptible to rot during the long winter storage. By waiting until spring, you can see exactly where the new growth "eyes" are located, which makes it much easier to make successful divisions that will grow vigorously. For company details and our plant promise, visit About Us.