Ultimate Guide: How to Lift, Cure, and Store Canna Lilies for Winter

Canna lilies, while not true lilies, are captivating flowering perennials that bring a touch of tropical beauty to gardens and landscapes. These vibrant plants belong to the genus Canna, thriving best in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 to 11. Originating from tropical and subtropical regions, canna lilies are known for their striking flowers and lush foliage, making them a popular choice among garden enthusiasts.

If you are looking to delve deeper into cultivating these lovely flowers, be sure to visit our comprehensive guide on how to grow canna lilies. Today, our focus is on how to lift, cure, and store these beauties, with a particular emphasis on those growing in Zones 7 and below. Let’s get started!

What You’ll Learn

Table of Contents

Reasons for Digging Up Canna Lilies
How to Lift Canna Lilies
Curing
Storing
Replanting

Reasons for Digging Up Canna Lilies

Digging up canna lilies serves multiple purposes, including managing overcrowding, promoting healthier growth, and providing winter protection. Over time, these rhizomes multiply and spread, leading to overcrowding in the garden. By separating the rhizomes through digging, you can create more space, enhance the overall aesthetics, and ensure continued vitality and blooming.

In Zones 7 and below, where cold winters are prevalent, digging up canna lilies in the fall and storing the rhizomes indoors protects them from freezing temperatures, ensuring their survival for the next growing season. Gardeners in Zones 8 to 11 can leave the rhizomes undisturbed in the ground during the dormant period, allowing them to sprout anew when the growing season returns.

Curing and storing the rhizomes after lifting is essential for those in colder regions, ensuring their health and vitality during the winter months.

How to Lift Canna Lilies

To protect your in-ground rhizomes during cold winters, it’s crucial to dig them up in the fall and bring them indoors for safekeeping. When the leaves have yellowed or died back, it’s the perfect time to act. Alternatively, you can wait until they have been killed by frost just before the ground freezes.

To lift canna lilies for winter storage, follow these simple steps:

Cut Back: Trim the dead foliage, leaving only about 3-6 inches above the rhizomes.
Dig: Carefully use a shovel or spade to dig down 4-6 inches deep and approximately 6-8 inches around the outside of the clump.
Continue Digging: Cut all around the clump, loosening the soil to facilitate lifting.
Lift: Gently lift the clumps out of the ground, shaking off any excess soil.
Rinse: Rinse them to remove dirt, preparing them for curing and storage.

After rinsing, check the rhizomes and discard any that show signs of disease or rotting. You can choose to divide them immediately for replanting or wait until spring.

Curing

After digging up the rhizomes, allow them to air dry in a well-ventilated area at a temperature of around 41-50°F. This drying period typically takes about a week, during which excess moisture evaporates, reducing the risk of rot and fungal diseases.

Ensure the rhizomes do not shrivel or become excessively dry. If you notice any signs of dehydration, gently submerge them in water or spray them to rehydrate. Remove any remaining foliage to prevent mold growth during storage.

By following proper curing techniques, you can prepare the rhizomes for storage and improve their chances of remaining healthy throughout the winter.

Storing

When it comes to storing canna lily rhizomes, here are some key points to keep in mind:

Storage Location: Store them in a cool, dark place with about 50% humidity and proper ventilation, such as fruit cellars or cool basements.
Avoid Freezing: Do not store them in areas prone to freezing temperatures like attics or garages.
Regular Check-Ups: Monitor the stored rhizomes periodically throughout the winter.
Discard Damaged Rhizomes: Remove and discard any rhizomes that appear shriveled, diseased, or infested.

Consider using breathable containers filled with peat moss, coconut coir, sand, or sawdust to maintain optimal moisture levels. Label each rhizome or group for easy identification when replanting in the spring.

Storing rhizomes in a cool environment ensures dormancy, preserves their energy reserves, and prevents premature sprouting. Avoid temperatures below 40°F or above 70°F for optimal storage conditions.

Replanting

In the spring, when temperatures begin to warm, it’s time to bring your canna lilies back to life. Check each rhizome for vitality, select a sunny location with well-drained soil, and plant the rhizomes horizontally at a depth of 4-6 inches. Water them thoroughly to kickstart growth and enjoy a beautiful display of canna lilies in your garden.

By following these steps for lifting, curing, storing, and replanting canna lilies, you can ensure their health and vitality throughout the winter months and beyond. Share your experiences and insights on storing canna bulbs in the comments below!

For more information on caring for canna lilies, check out these helpful guides: