Ways To Harvest And Preserve Canna Lilies?

In zones 3-7, it is essential to dig up cannas after the first few frosts and let them cure for a few days before placing them in a tote or bag. Store them in a cool, dry location and label the variety on each container or bag. When soil temperatures are above 50°F, you can replant them. Canna lilies can survive for years as long as they are overwintered properly.

In cold climates, canna bulbs can often be dug up and stored for the winter and replanted in the spring. To ensure the health and vitality of your cannas, follow proper preparation, choose the right storage method, and check on them regularly. Dig clumps of cannas after the first frost, using a shovel or spade to dig down 4-6 inches deep and approximately 6-8 inches around the outside of the clump. Continue digging by cutting all around the clump, loosening the soil.

Canna bulbs are not particularly cold-tolerant for those living in cooler climates, but they can be stored for the winter if you dig them up and give them the right environment to overwinter in. Before starting storage, lift the bulbs from the ground and wait until a frost has killed back the foliage. Once the foliage is dead, carefully dig around the canna bulbs. Store in a cool, dark, humid place with good ventilation, such as fruit cellars and cool basements.

To protect in-ground rhizomes for the duration of cold winters, dig them up in the fall and bring them inside.