Storing Canna Bulbs in Newspaper: A Simple Winter Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding the Canna Rhizome
3. When to Dig Your Canna Bulbs
4. Tools and Materials for the Job
5. Step 1: Cutting and Lifting
6. Step 2: Cleaning and Inspecting
7. Step 3: The Curing Process
8. Step 4: Wrapping in Newspaper
9. Choosing the Best Storage Location
10. Winter Maintenance and Monitoring
11. Dividing Your Cannas
12. Transitioning to Spring
13. Summary of the Newspaper Method
14. FAQ

Introduction

There is nothing quite like the bold, tropical impact of canna lilies in a summer garden. Their oversized leaves and vibrant flowers bring an exotic energy to any backyard or patio, and cannas are a favorite choice for gardeners who want a lush, dramatic look. While these plants love the heat, gardeners in cooler climates often wonder how to keep that beauty alive year after year. At Longfield Gardens, we believe that saving your favorite plants should be a rewarding part of the gardening cycle.

Storing canna bulbs in newspaper is one of the most reliable and budget-friendly ways to overwinter these tender perennials. This method protects the delicate rhizomes from the biting cold while maintaining just the right amount of moisture. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned gardener, this guide will show you how to lift, cure, and store your cannas with confidence. If you like a ready-made mix for next season, the Canna Assorted Collection is a simple place to start. By following a few simple steps, you can ensure your garden is ready for another spectacular show next summer.

Understanding the Canna Rhizome

Before we dig into the storage process, it helps to understand what we are actually storing. Although many gardeners call them "bulbs," cannas actually grow from rhizomes. A rhizome is a fleshy underground stem that stores energy for the plant. If you look closely at a canna rhizome, you will see "eyes" or growing points, much like those on a potato.

These rhizomes are full of moisture and nutrients, which makes them sensitive to freezing temperatures. In USDA hardiness zones 8 through 11, cannas can usually stay in the ground all winter with a thick layer of mulch. However, if you live in zone 7 or colder, the ground will freeze deep enough to destroy the rhizome. This is where the newspaper storage method becomes your best friend.

Why Newspaper Works So Well

You might wonder why we suggest newspaper over plastic bags or airtight containers. The goal of winter storage is to keep the rhizome dormant, cool, and slightly hydrated without allowing it to rot. Newspaper is a "breathable" material that provides several benefits:

• Moisture Regulation: Newspaper absorbs excess condensation that can lead to fungal growth and rot.
• Insulation: It provides a thin layer of protection against minor temperature fluctuations.
• Prevention of Disease Spread: By wrapping rhizomes individually, you ensure that if one piece develops rot, it does not easily spread to its neighbors.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Most households have access to old newspapers or circulars, making this a zero-cost storage solution.

Key Takeaway: Canna rhizomes are living stems that need to breathe. Using newspaper allows for air circulation while preventing the rhizome from drying out completely.

When to Dig Your Canna Bulbs

Timing is everything when it comes to preparing spring-planted summer-blooming bulbs for storage. You want the plant to store as much energy as possible before it goes to sleep for the winter. In most regions, this means waiting for nature to give you a clear signal.

The First Frost Signal

The best time to dig up your cannas is shortly after the first light frost of the season. You will know it has happened when the lush green or bronze leaves suddenly turn black or brown and appear to wilt. This change tells the plant that the growing season is over.

When the foliage dies back, the plant naturally shifts its energy downward into the rhizome. This "hardening off" period is vital for a successful winter sleep. However, do not wait for a "hard freeze" where the ground itself freezes solid. You want to lift the rhizomes while the soil is still workable and before the deep cold reaches the underground stems.

Regional Variations

If you live in an area where frost comes very late, you can still lift your cannas in mid-to-late autumn. If the temperatures are consistently dropping into the 40s at night, the plants will begin to slow down on their own. You can manually cut the stalks back to trigger the dormancy process if a frost hasn't occurred by early November.

Tools and Materials for the Job

Gathering your supplies beforehand makes the process much smoother. You do not need expensive equipment to successfully store your cannas.

What You Will Need:

• Garden Fork or Shovel: A garden fork is often better because it is less likely to slice through the rhizomes.
• Pruning Shears: Use clean, sharp bypass pruners to cut the stalks.
• Garden Hose: A gentle stream of water helps clean off stubborn soil.
• Newspaper: Plain black-and-white newsprint is best. Avoid glossy, colorful magazine pages as they do not breathe as well.
• Cardboard Boxes or Plastic Tubs: These will hold your wrapped rhizomes. If using plastic tubs, do not put the lids on tight.
• Permanent Marker: For labeling your varieties or colors.

Step 1: Cutting and Lifting

Once the frost has nipped the leaves, it is time to get to work. Start by cutting the stalks back. Use your pruning shears to trim the stems so only about 2 to 3 inches of the stalk remain above the soil line. This small "handle" makes the rhizomes easier to manage and helps you identify which side is up later.

Digging Carefully

Canna rhizomes, especially from Tall Cannas, can grow surprisingly large over a single summer. They often spread out in a wide circle from where you originally planted them. To avoid damaging the fleshy stems, start digging about 10 to 12 inches away from the center of the plant.

1. Push your garden fork deep into the soil all the way around the clump.
2. Gently pry upward to loosen the soil.
3. Once the soil is loose, lift the entire clump out of the ground.
4. If the clump is very large, you can carefully break it into smaller, more manageable pieces by hand.

What to do next:

• Clear a space in your garage or shed for cleaning.
• Shake off any large chunks of soil while still in the garden.
• Keep different colors or varieties in separate piles to avoid confusion.

Step 2: Cleaning and Inspecting

After lifting the rhizomes, you need to remove the excess soil. Soil can harbor pests, fungus, and bacteria that you don't want in your storage box.

Gently shake the rhizomes to remove loose dirt. You can use a garden hose to rinse away the rest, but do not use a high-pressure nozzle. You want to avoid "wounding" the skin of the rhizome. Any cuts or scrapes serve as entry points for rot. If you are shopping for a compact option for smaller spaces, Short Cannas are worth a look.

The Inspection Phase

While the rhizomes are clean, take a close look at each piece. This is the most important step for ensuring a high survival rate.

• Look for Rot: Any soft, mushy, or blackened areas should be removed.
• Check for Pests: Ensure there are no insects or borers hiding in the crevices.
• Firmness Test: A healthy rhizome should feel firm, similar to a fresh ginger root or a potato.

If you find a large clump with one small rotten spot, you can usually cut that spot away with a clean knife. At Longfield Gardens, we suggest dipping your cutting tool in a mild bleach solution (one part bleach to ten parts water) between cuts to keep everything sterile.

Step 3: The Curing Process

You should never wrap a wet rhizome directly in newspaper. Doing so almost guarantees rot. "Curing" is the process of letting the outer skin of the rhizome dry and toughen up before storage.

Place your cleaned rhizomes in a single layer on a tray or a piece of cardboard. Put them in a dry, well-ventilated area that is protected from rain and direct sunlight. A garage, basement, or covered porch works perfectly.

How Long to Cure?

Depending on the humidity in your area, curing can take anywhere from two days to a full week. You are looking for the outer skin to feel dry and slightly "cork-like." The soil remaining in the crevices should be bone-dry and easy to brush away with your fingers. Do not worry if the rhizome looks slightly wrinkled; this is a normal part of the process.

Step 4: Wrapping in Newspaper

Once your canna rhizomes are dry to the touch, it is time to wrap them. This is the core of the newspaper storage method.

Individual Wrapping

Take a single sheet of newspaper and place one rhizome (or a small cluster of 2-3 pieces) in the center. Fold the paper over the rhizome like you are wrapping a gift or rolling a burrito. You do not need tape; just tuck the ends under.

Wrapping them individually is a safety measure. If one rhizome happens to have a hidden bit of rot that activates during the winter, the newspaper will act as a barrier. It prevents the moisture and fungus from touching the healthy rhizomes next to it.

Packing the Boxes

Place your wrapped packages into a cardboard box or a sturdy paper bag. Cardboard is excellent because it is breathable. You can stack the wrapped rhizomes on top of each other, but try not to go more than three layers deep. This ensures the ones at the bottom aren't crushed and still get a little bit of air circulation.

If you are using a plastic storage bin, leave the lid off or drill several large holes in the sides and lid. An airtight plastic bin will trap moisture, which will turn your beautiful cannas into mush by February.

Key Takeaway: Always label your boxes. Use a permanent marker to write the variety name or the flower color on the outside of the box so you know exactly what you are planting in the spring.

Choosing the Best Storage Location

Where you put your boxes is just as important as how you wrap the bulbs. Cannas need a "Goldilocks" environment: not too hot, not too cold, and not too humid. If you want a middle-ground option for next season, Medium Cannas fit nicely between tall and short selections.

The Ideal Temperature

The sweet spot for storing canna rhizomes is between 40°F and 50°F.

• If it's too cold: If the temperature drops below freezing (32°F), the water inside the rhizome cells will freeze and expand, killing the plant.
• If it's too warm: If the temperature stays above 55°F, the plant may try to wake up and grow in the dark, using up its energy reserves before spring.

Recommended Spots

• Unheated Basements: Usually the most consistent environment.
• Crawl Spaces: Great for keeping things cool and dark.
• Attached Garages: These are usually fine, but be careful if you live in a very cold climate where the garage might drop below freezing. Keep boxes on a shelf rather than the cold concrete floor.
• Cool Closets: An interior closet that stays away from heating vents can work in a pinch.

Winter Maintenance and Monitoring

One mistake many gardeners make is "setting and forgetting" their bulbs for the winter. While cannas don't need much attention, a quick monthly check can save your entire collection.

Set a reminder on your phone to check your boxes once every four weeks. Open a few of the newspaper bundles and inspect the rhizomes.

The Squeeze Test

Give the rhizomes a gentle squeeze. They should still feel firm. If you find one that has become soft or smelly, throw it away immediately and check the ones nearby.

Managing Moisture

If the rhizomes look extremely shriveled or feel "hollow," they might be drying out too much. This can happen in very low-humidity environments. If this occurs, you can lightly mist the newspaper with a spray bottle. You aren't trying to soak them; you just want to add a tiny hint of humidity to the air inside the box. Usually, the moisture held within the rhizome itself is enough to last through the winter.

Dividing Your Cannas

Winter storage is an excellent time to think about the future of your garden. Because cannas grow from rhizomes that multiply every year, you will likely have many more plants than you started with.

You can divide your cannas either in the fall before storage or in the spring before planting. Most gardeners prefer spring because the "eyes" or growing points are more visible then. For a step-by-step walk-through, see How to Divide and Store Canna Bulbs. However, if your clumps are too large to fit into your storage boxes, go ahead and break them apart now.

To divide, simply snap or cut the rhizome into pieces. Each piece must have at least one (and preferably two or three) healthy "eyes." These look like small, raised bumps or points on the surface of the rhizome.

Transitioning to Spring

As the days get longer and the ground begins to thaw, your cannas will naturally start to wake up. At Longfield Gardens, we suggest waiting until all danger of frost has passed before moving them back outdoors. If you want an early indoor start, How to Start Canna Lily Bulbs Indoors is a helpful next step.

Waking Them Up Early

If you want an early start on the blooming season, you can "pot up" your rhizomes indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date.

1. Unwrap the rhizomes from the newspaper.
2. Place them in pots with standard potting soil.
3. Keep them in a warm, sunny window.
4. Water sparingly until you see green shoots poking through the soil.

This head start is particularly helpful for gardeners in northern zones with short summers, as it ensures you get flowers earlier in the season.

Direct Planting

If you prefer to plant directly into the garden, wait until the soil temperature reaches at least 60°F. Cannas are tropical and will sit dormant in cold, wet soil, which puts them at risk of rotting. For planting details, see How Deep to Plant a Canna Bulb. When the soil is warm, plant them about 4 to 6 inches deep with the eyes pointing upward. Space them 1 to 2 feet apart, depending on the variety’s mature size.

Summary of the Newspaper Method

Storing canna bulbs in newspaper is a simple, effective way to protect your investment and enjoy your favorite flowers year after year. It takes the stress out of winter gardening and gives you a head start on the following season.

Final Checklist for Success:

• Wait for the first frost to kill the foliage.
• Lift rhizomes carefully to avoid wounding the skin.
• Cure in a dry area for several days until the skin is tough.
• Wrap individually in black-and-white newspaper.
• Store in a breathable box at 40°F to 50°F.
• Check monthly for rot or extreme drying.

Gardening is a journey of learning and growth. While every winter is a little different, these basic steps provide a solid foundation for success. Our team at Longfield Gardens is always here to help you create a more beautiful yard with high-quality bulbs and practical advice you can trust, backed by our 100% Quality Guarantee.

FAQ

Can I use glossy circulars or magazines instead of newspaper?

It is best to avoid glossy paper for storing canna bulbs. Glossy paper is often coated with plastic or heavy inks that prevent air from moving through the fibers. This traps moisture against the rhizome, which significantly increases the risk of rot. Stick to standard black-and-white newsprint or plain brown paper bags for the best results. If you're planning a fresh order for next spring, our Shipping Information page explains when your plants will ship.

What should I do if my rhizomes look shriveled in January?

A small amount of wrinkling is normal and expected as the rhizome rests. However, if they feel very light or look like they are turning into "mummy" wood, they are too dry. Lightly mist the newspaper wrapping with a water bottle to add a touch of humidity. Do not soak the rhizome itself; the goal is to slightly dampen the environment so the moisture stops leaving the plant.

Do I have to wash the soil off before wrapping them?

While some gardeners have success leaving a little soil on, we recommend washing or thoroughly brushing the rhizomes clean. Soil can hold moisture against the skin and may contain fungi or overwintering pests. Cleaning them also allows you to perform a thorough inspection for rot, which is the most common reason for failure during winter storage.

How do I know which way is "up" when planting in the spring?

When you unwrap your cannas in the spring, look for the "eyes" or small, pointed nubs on the rhizome. These are the growing tips where the new stalks will emerge. Plant the rhizome so these eyes are pointing toward the sky. If you aren't sure, you can plant the rhizome on its side; the plant is smart enough to send its shoots upward and its roots downward regardless of orientation.