How To Winterize Bulbs Of Canna Lilies?

Canna lilies can survive in cold climates as long as they are overwintered properly. Many types sold at garden centers as annuals are actually tender perennials that are hardy in zones 8 and above. If the ground never freezes, you can leave them alone. For those living in zones 3-7, the best time to start digging them up is when temperatures drop.

To safely store and winterize cannas until spring, follow these steps:

1. Place chunks of canna bulbs into plastic bags or bins without lids. In cool climates, plant each spring, then dug up in fall, divided, and stored away over winter. Even in warmer climates, cannas need to be dug up and divided every 4-5 years.

Knowing how to overwinter and properly store canna bulbs is essential for those expecting a drop in temperatures. To store potted canna lilies during the winter, wrap individual bulbs in newspapers or small paper bags with a small amount of dry material.

Canna bulbs don’t need a greenhouse to overwinter; they can be stored in a cool basement, garage, or cellar in total darkness. It is sometimes possible to overwinter canna lilies by drying them out and placing them in a loose pile in a bucket. Store canna bulbs in a cool, dry place, such as a garage, basement, or closet, or even in the refrigerator.

Before digging up canna bulbs, wait until after the first killing frost in the fall, remove soil from the bulb, and let it dry before planting.