Storing your cannas over winter is crucial to ensure that they survive and thrive when springtime rolls around. Follow these detailed steps and tips to properly store your cannas during the colder months:
1. Choose the Right Storage Location
Find a cool, dark, and humid place with good ventilation to store your cannas. Fruit cellars and cool basements are ideal options. Avoid storing them in attics or garages where they may freeze.
2. Dig Up the Cannas
When the foliage turns brown after the first frost, carefully dig up the cannas from the ground. Use a garden fork or spade to lift the rhizomes gently.
3. Trim the Foliage
Trim back the foliage to about 4-6 inches above the rhizome. This will help reduce any excess moisture loss during the storage period.
4. Allow the Rhizomes to Dry
Let the rhizomes dry for a day or two in a shaded area to allow any excess soil to fall off and the wounds to callus.
5. Inspect the Rhizomes
Before storing, inspect the rhizomes for any signs of damage, disease, or insect infestation. Discard any shriveled, diseased, or infested rhizomes.
6. Prepare for Storage
Place the rhizomes in a cardboard box or paper bag filled with peat moss, vermiculite, or dry wood shavings to keep them dry and prevent rotting.
7. Label the Storage Container
Label the storage container with the cannas’ variety or color to easily identify them next spring when it’s time to replant.
8. Store in a Cool Location
Store the container with the cannas in a cool location with a temperature between 40-50°F (4-10°C) to prevent them from freezing or rotting.
9. Check Regularly
Throughout the winter, check on your stored cannas regularly to ensure they are not drying out or showing any signs of mold or rot.
10. Adjust Humidity Levels
If the storage area becomes too dry, lightly mist the peat moss or other storage medium to maintain a slightly humid environment.
11. Be Patient
Be patient during the winter months and resist the urge to check on or disturb the stored rhizomes too frequently. Let them rest undisturbed.
12. Replant in Spring
When the danger of frost has passed in spring, replant your cannas in a sunny spot with well-draining soil to enjoy their vibrant blooms once again.
