How to Store Canna Bulbs in Winter

Canna flowers resemble lilies.

Canna is often referred to as the canna lily, though it is not a lily at all. The flowers look similar to a lily flower, though they are often smaller. While the flowers are striking, their large, deep green leaves are an attractive backdrop to other summer flowers in the garden. Canna is considered a summer bulb, though it actually grows from a tuberous root system. Canna is a tender perennial, and must be stored during the winter as it cannot tolerate freezing in the garden bed.

Things You'll Need

• Shears
• Trowel
• Newspaper
• Fungicide
• Mesh bag

Instructions

1. Cut back the dead, yellowed foliage with shears to within 3 to 4 inches of the soil two to three days after the foliage dies back. Do not dig up the canna until the stem and foliage die back naturally.

2. Dig around the canna roots with a trowel, taking care not to hit the root as you dig. Slide the trowel under the canna root and lift it from the soil.

3. Brush off any excess soil on the roots and lay the roots upside down in a dry area away from direct sunlight. Leave the roots to cure for three to six hours.

4. Brush the roots with a canna or bulb plant fungicide, following the fungicide's label instructions. Fungal treatments improve the chance of successful storage and inhibit rot.

5. Place the treated roots in a mesh sack, available at garden centers. Hang the sack is a dark, 50 degree F room until you replant them in spring.

Tips & Warnings

• An unheated enclosed porch, shed or garage provide the best conditions for canna storage. Never store the roots where they will freeze, as this kills them.

• Check on the bulbs every few weeks while they are in storage. Dispose of any roots that develop soft, rot spots so the rot doesn't spread to healthy bulbs.

References

• Purdue Extension Office: Winter Storage of Canna