Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Understanding Canna Hardiness
- When to Begin the Storage Process
- Preparing Canna Rhizomes for Storage
- Selecting the Ideal Storage Container
- Choosing the Best Storage Medium
- Where to Store Canna Bulbs: Finding the Perfect Spot
- Monitoring Your Rhizomes Through Winter
- Storing Potted Cannas
- Preparing for Spring Replanting
- Summary of Canna Storage Success
- FAQ
Introduction
Cannas are the undisputed stars of the summer garden, bringing a lush, tropical energy to any backyard with their oversized leaves and brilliant blooms. These vibrant plants look so at home in the heat that it is hard to imagine them surviving a cold winter. However, with just a little bit of care, you can save these beautiful rhizomes to enjoy year after year. At Longfield Gardens, we believe that preserving your favorite plants should be a rewarding part of the gardening cycle rather than a stressful task.
Learning where to store canna bulbs—technically called rhizomes—is the key to a successful spring replanting. This guide is for any gardener who wants to keep their canna collection thriving through the off-season. We will cover the best indoor environments, the right containers to use, and how to keep your rhizomes healthy until the sun returns. By following a few simple steps, you can ensure your garden is ready to burst back into life when the weather warms up.
Understanding Canna Hardiness
Before deciding where to store your canna rhizomes, it is helpful to know if you actually need to move them. Cannas are tropical and subtropical plants, meaning they love warmth and cannot tolerate frozen soil. In the United States, they are generally hardy in USDA zones 8 through 11. In these warmer regions, the ground rarely freezes deep enough to damage the rhizomes, so they can often stay in the garden year-round with a thick layer of mulch for protection.
If you live in zone 7 or colder, the winter temperatures will likely drop low enough to freeze the ground and destroy the tender rhizomes. For gardeners in these areas, digging and storing cannas is a necessary part of autumn garden chores. Even if you are in a borderline zone, many gardeners choose to dig their cannas to divide them or to make room for spring-blooming bulbs like tulips and daffodils. If you are not sure which zone you garden in, check the Hardiness Zone Map.
When to Begin the Storage Process
The signal to start the storage process comes from nature itself. You should wait for the first light frost of autumn to hit your garden. This frost will turn the canna foliage brown or black, which looks a bit dramatic but is actually a helpful sign. This cold snap tells the plant to stop growing and sends all its energy down into the rhizome for winter dormancy.
Once the foliage has withered, you have a window of about a week or two to get the rhizomes out of the ground. You want to complete this task before a "hard freeze" occurs—this is when the air temperature drops significantly below freezing for several hours, potentially freezing the soil surface. Protecting the rhizomes from this deep cold ensures they remain firm and healthy for storage. For a broader overview of canna care, see our All About Cannas guide.
Key Takeaway: Wait for the first frost to turn the leaves brown before digging. This ensures the plant has stored enough energy to last through the winter months.
Preparing Canna Rhizomes for Storage
To ensure your cannas stay healthy in their winter home, they need a bit of preparation. This process helps prevent rot, which is the most common challenge during the dormant months.
Cutting and Digging
Start by cutting the stalks down to about two to four inches above the soil line. Use a clean pair of garden shears or a sharp knife. This makes the plants much easier to handle. Next, use a garden fork or a shovel to gently lift the clumps. Aim to start digging about a foot away from the center of the plant to avoid slicing into the fleshy rhizomes. Gently pry the clump upward until it releases from the soil.
Cleaning and Curing
Once the clumps are out of the ground, shake off the loose soil. You do not need to scrub them perfectly clean; in fact, a little bit of soil can sometimes help maintain a touch of moisture. Some gardeners prefer to rinse them with a hose, but if you do this, you must be very diligent about the next step: curing.
Curing is the process of letting the rhizomes air-dry in a protected, warm spot for a few days. Place them on a tray or a piece of cardboard in a garage, shed, or basement. This drying period allows the outer skin to toughen up and any "wounds" from the digging process to callouse over. A well-cured rhizome is much more resistant to mold and fungus while in storage.
Selecting the Ideal Storage Container
The container you choose plays a big role in how well your cannas survive the winter. The goal is to provide a home that allows for some air circulation while preventing the rhizomes from drying out completely.
- Cardboard Boxes: These are a favorite among many gardeners. They are breathable, easy to stack, and inexpensive.
- Paper Bags: Large grocery-style paper bags work well for smaller quantities. They allow for good air exchange.
- Plastic Bins with Lids: If you use plastic, do not snap the lid on tight. Leave it slightly ajar or drill several small holes in the sides to prevent moisture from getting trapped and causing rot.
- Milk Crates or Wooden Trays: These provide excellent airflow but require a thicker layer of packing material to keep the rhizomes from shriveling.
What to Do Next:
- Gather enough cardboard boxes or breathable bags for your collection.
- Check that your containers are clean and dry.
- Label each container with the variety or color of the canna so you can plan your spring garden easily, and compare options in our Tall Cannas collection.
Choosing the Best Storage Medium
Canna rhizomes should not just be tossed into an empty box. They need a "bedding" material to regulate moisture. This material acts as a buffer, absorbing excess humidity while preventing the rhizomes from turning into dry, woody husks.
Peat Moss and Vermiculite
Peat moss is perhaps the most popular choice because it is sterile and holds a tiny amount of moisture without feeling wet. Vermiculite is another great option that provides excellent insulation. If you use these, the material should be "barely damp"—if you squeeze a handful, it should not drip any water.
Wood Shavings or Sawdust
Pine or cedar shavings (the kind sold for pet bedding) are excellent for storage. They are very breathable and have natural antimicrobial properties that can help keep rot at bay. Sawdust is also effective, provided it is not from treated lumber.
Newspaper
For a simple and low-cost method, you can wrap individual rhizomes in several layers of dry newspaper. This is a great way to keep different varieties separated within the same box. The paper absorbs moisture and provides a soft cushion for the plants.
"The right storage medium is like a cozy blanket for your plants. It keeps them tucked in and protected from the dry winter air without letting them get too damp."
Where to Store Canna Bulbs: Finding the Perfect Spot
The location of your storage is the most important factor in your success. Cannas are picky about their winter environment; they want a spot that feels like a cool cellar rather than a cozy living room or a freezing porch.
The Temperature Rule
The ideal temperature for storing canna rhizomes is between 40°F and 55°F.
- If it is too warm: The rhizomes may think it is spring and start to grow prematurely. This uses up their stored energy and results in weak plants later on.
- If it is too cold: If the temperature drops below 35°F, the cells inside the rhizome can freeze and burst, leading to a mushy, dead plant.
Basements and Root Cellars
An unheated or cool basement is often the best spot in a modern home. If your basement is finished and heated, look for a corner far away from the furnace or water heater. Root cellars are perfect because they naturally maintain the cool, humid conditions that rhizomes love.
Attached Garages and Crawl Spaces
An attached garage can work well, provided it stays above freezing all winter. It is a good idea to keep the boxes off the concrete floor by placing them on a shelf or a wooden pallet. In very cold climates, you might need to wrap the storage boxes in an old blanket for extra insulation. Crawl spaces are also excellent candidates, as they stay cool and are usually dark.
Dark Closets
If you live in an apartment or a house without a basement or garage, a dark closet on an exterior wall might be cool enough. Check the temperature with a simple thermometer to make sure it stays below 60°F. Avoid closets that house water heaters or dryer vents, as these stay far too warm.
Monitoring Your Rhizomes Through Winter
Storing cannas is not a "set it and forget it" task. To ensure a high survival rate, you should check on your rhizomes about once a month. This quick inspection allows you to catch small issues before they become big problems.
The Touch Test
Gently reach into your storage containers and feel a few of the rhizomes.
- If they feel firm: They are doing great!
- If they feel shriveled or brittle: The storage medium is too dry. Use a spray bottle to lightly mist the peat moss or shavings with water. Do not soak them; just a tiny bit of moisture goes a long way.
- If they feel soft or mushy: This is a sign of rot. Remove any affected rhizomes immediately so the rot does not spread to the healthy ones.
Watching for Pests
While rare, sometimes mice or other small critters might find your storage boxes. If you see signs of chewing, move your containers to a more secure location or use a bin with a more protective (but still ventilated) lid.
Storing Potted Cannas
If you grow your cannas in large containers, you have a convenient shortcut. You do not necessarily need to dig the rhizomes out of the soil. Once the frost has hit the foliage, cut the stalks back to the soil level just as you would with garden-grown plants.
Move the entire pot—soil and all—into a cool, frost-free location like a basement or garage. The dry soil in the pot acts as the perfect storage medium. If you are growing cannas in pots, Planting Canna Bulbs in Containers for Tropical Color is a helpful guide.
If you only need a smaller plant for future containers, our Short Cannas collection is a good place to look. Do not water the pot during the winter; let it stay completely dormant. In the spring, you can bring the pot back out, refresh the top few inches of soil, and start watering to wake the plants up. This is a wonderful "easy win" for busy gardeners.
Preparing for Spring Replanting
As winter begins to fade, you can start looking forward to the return of your cannas. About four to six weeks before the last expected frost date in your area, you can bring your storage boxes out of their cool hiding spots.
This is the perfect time to divide your rhizomes. You will likely notice that the clumps you dug up in the fall are much larger than the ones you planted in the spring. Use a sharp, clean knife to cut the rhizomes into smaller pieces. Ensure each piece has at least one or two "eyes" (the small bumps or sprouts where new growth begins). For step-by-step help, see our How to Split Canna Bulbs guide.
You can give your cannas a head start by planting them in pots indoors in a sunny window. For timing tips, see When Can I Plant My Canna Lily Bulbs? if you want a simple way to plan the next step.
At Longfield Gardens, we recommend letting these fresh cuts dry for a day before planting to prevent any soil-borne issues. If you are ordering new rhizomes, our Shipping Information page explains timing by zone.
Summary of Canna Storage Success
Storing canna bulbs is a straightforward process that saves money and allows you to build a massive collection of these tropical beauties over time. The transition from a lush summer garden to a tidy winter storage setup is a natural part of the gardening journey. If you want a mid-sized option for next season, the Medium Cannas collection is worth a look.
- Wait for the first frost to signal dormancy before digging.
- Cure the rhizomes for a few days to toughen the skin.
- Use breathable containers like cardboard boxes or paper bags.
- Pack them in barely damp peat moss, wood shavings, or newspaper.
- Store them in a cool, dark place between 40°F and 55°F.
- Check monthly for rot or excessive dryness.
Final Thought: Success with cannas comes down to matching the plant's needs with the right environment. With a cool, dark corner and a little bit of attention, your cannas will be ready to dazzle again next season.
For more inspiration and to see our latest selection of vibrant varieties, visit our Canna Assorted Mix - Bulk Offer.
FAQ
Can I store canna bulbs in the refrigerator?
While the temperature in a refrigerator (usually around 35-40°F) is technically within the safe range, it is generally not recommended. Refrigerators are often too dry for rhizomes, and the ethylene gas produced by some fruits can interfere with the plant’s dormancy. A cool basement or garage is a much more natural and effective choice.
What should I do if my stored cannas start growing in February?
Early growth usually means the storage area is a bit too warm. If you see small white sprouts, move the containers to a cooler spot if possible. If the sprouts are already several inches long, you may need to pot them up in soil and keep them in a bright, cool window until it is safe to move them outdoors.
Is it okay to leave the soil on the rhizomes when I store them?
Yes, leaving some soil on the rhizomes is perfectly fine and can actually help prevent them from drying out too quickly. However, you should still ensure they are cured (air-dried) for a few days so the soil is not soaking wet when it goes into the storage box, as this could encourage mold.
How do I know if a canna rhizome is dead and should be thrown away?
A healthy rhizome should feel heavy for its size and relatively firm, similar to a fresh ginger root. If a rhizome feels very light, hollow, or shriveled like a piece of driftwood, it has likely dried out completely and will not grow. Likewise, if it is soft, slimy, or has a sour smell, it has rotted and should be discarded immediately. If you need help with product quality or replacements, see our About Us & Our Guarantee.