Visit our online shop for 100% made in Canada products and gifts!
Canna lilies are one of the showstoppers of the summer garden. But, did you know that these gorgeous flowers actually grow from a bulb? That’s right, gardening friends. Depending on the climate, in zones 8 and above, canna lilies are often considered tender perennials. Here, the bulbs can be overwintered in the ground. But, in most northern growing zones, cannas are a tender annual flower. In these zones, you can save the bulbs and overwinter them indoors. This way, you will be able to enjoy them for years to come.
In today’s guide, we present three methods to properly overwinter your cannas. From overwintering in the ground to storing indoors, we’ve got you covered. So, if you’d like to save these gorgeous flowers for another year, you’ve come to the right place. Pull up a chair, and let’s dive in!
Benefits of overwintering canna lily bulbs
- Keeping the beauty going year after year: As cooler weather creeps up on us, it’s often hard to say goodbye to summer friends. But, by overwintering cannas you do not have to. You can save the bulbs for another year and enjoy their beauty next season.
- Saving money: Let’s face it, everything seems more expensive these days. And, canna lily bulbs are no exception. By saving your bulbs and overwintering them indoors, you can save money and enjoy the beauty again next year.
- Easy process to overwinter: Unlike some flowers that are tricky to overwinter indoors, canna lilies are quite easy to save. The process doesn’t take very long at all, but the rewards are endless.
Top three methods for overwintering canna lilies
When it comes to preparing canna lily bulbs, there are three different methods. The method you choose will depend on your growing zone and conditions. It also depends on how you planted your cannas during the previous growing season. The three main methods for overwintering cannas are:
- Overwintering in the ground
- Overwintering in pots
- Digging up and storing bulbs indoors over winter
Overwintering canna lilies in the ground
If you live in a zone where the ground doesn’t freeze over winter, you can overwinter your cannas in the ground.
For added protection, you can add mulch around your cannas. The mulch will provide warmth to your canna bulbs and help protect them during unexpected short cold snaps.
Should you encounter a cold snap, it will kill the foliage. Simply cut this back and the bulbs will regenerate new growth once the temperatures begin to warm up again next season.
Overwintering in pots
If you grew cannas in pots this season, you can overwinter the whole pot indoors. To do this, let the foliage die back first with the frost. This will help to trigger the dormancy period. Once the foliage dies back, cut it back to get the bulbs ready for their winter dormancy. Cut them back to the soil level. Be ready to move your bulbs indoors before freezing temperatures arrive. To avoid importing pests and other bugs indoors, you can always repot the bulbs into fresh soil. This method is not as popular as digging up the bulbs and storing them indoors, but it is an option.
Digging up and storing canna lily bulbs indoors over winter
By far the most popular method of saving canna lily bulbs to plant another year. This will be your go-to method if you planted your bulbs directly in the ground. Your bulbs can stay in the ground until your first hard freeze. But, make sure that you lift them out before the ground freezes hard.
When to dig up your bulbs
Aim to dig up your canna lily bulbs once the foliage has died back from frost in the fall. Cooler temperatures are necessary to trigger dormancy. You do have time, but be sure to dig them up before the ground freezes or snow arrives.
How to dig up your bulbs
Before digging, cut the foliage back to just above the ground so you know where each bulb is. Preferred method would be to hull them out with a garden fork, but you can carefully use a shovel or spade too. Aim to start digging about a foot out from where the main stem is. This way, you will avoid cutting into the bulb. Once lifted out, gently shake off the dirt or brush it away from the bulb.
How to cure the bulbs for winter storage
You must properly cure your bulbs for winter storage. This is important to prevent rot and mold from growing. To cure, remove any remaining foliage and stem. Next, set your bulbs in a dry place for about a week or so. You can spread some newspaper out and place your bulbs on it. A garage or basement will work for curing. Make sure the bulbs are spread out and not touching each other while curing.
Packing the bulbs for long term storage
Once cured, you will need to pack the bulbs to store over the winter. If you have a cardboard box, it’s the easiest method. Packing materials you might use are coco coir, mix of perlite and vermiculite, pet bedding, or sawdust. Avoid using something made out of plastic as it can trap moisture and lead to rot and mold growth. Try to avoid the bulbs touching each other and gently pack the material around them.
Where to store the bulbs once packed
Once packed, store your bulbs in a dry place in your basement, cellar, or heated garage. The location that you choose should be above freezing. Make sure that the location is also not too warm or the bulbs can prematurely start to sprout or rot.
Winter care tips for canna lily bulbs
While in storage, be sure to check on your bulbs periodically. Make sure that they are not rotting, growing mold, or drying out too much. If any of them are rotting or growing mold, be sure to remove them so it doesn’t spread throughout the box. If you notice that they are drying out, lightly mist them, but don’t soak them. You don’t want them so wet that they begin to rot.
How to replant canna lily bulbs after coming out of winter storage
Here is a list of our top tips for bringing your canna lily bulbs out of winter storage:
- When to plant canna lily bulbs: Once your frost date has passed in the spring, it is safe to plant your canna lily bulbs outside. Check your local frost dates and keep an eye on your local weather. Sometimes late frosts can occur. Look for consistent temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit or 16 degrees Celsius. If kept in pots over winter, start to move them outside once temperatures are consistently above freezing.
- Preparing bulbs for planting: To get a head start, bring your bulbs out of dormancy indoors before planting. Start this process 4-6 weeks before your last frost date in the spring. Plant your bulbs deep into a container that is filled with potting mix. Water well and place in a sunny window or under grow lights. Gently transition them outdoors to harden off once they have begun to put on significant new growth. Plant outdoors once temperatures are above freezing.
Frequently asked questions
How do you tell if canna lily bulbs are still viable?
When you first pull your canna lily bulbs out of storage, you might panic and think they didn’t make it. The best way to check is to look and see if they are firm and have visible bumps or shoots. If the bulb is shriveled too much or has become very mushy, it might not be viable. But, sometimes even the ones that look like they are not going to make it still have some life left. It can sometimes just be hard to see.
Can you plant canna lily bulbs in containers?
Yes, and many gardeners prefer this method to add to the front porch or patio. When you plant them in containers, be sure to choose one that is big enough to support their root growth. Also, make sure that the container has proper drainage and that you feed them.
Can you plant canna lilies from seed?
Yes you can. And it can be quite fun and interesting to do. At the end of the season, your cannas will produce a green pod once it is done blooming. Wait until the pod is dried and it will produce 1-3 seeds. Since most of the cannas available today are hybrids, the seeds will not always be true to the mother plant. But, go for it and see what you get. Who doesn’t love surprises in the garden!
Can you divide cannas?
Yes, you can divide them. It actually helps to stimulate healthy blooms. Aim to do this every 3-5 years to keep your blooms healthy and prolific.
Final thoughts on overwintering your canna lily bulbs
Don’t let your beautiful summer blooms go to waste. Saving and storing your canna lily bulbs over winter is simple and easy. Let the advice and tips in today’s guide be your inspiration. Come spring, you’ll be glad you did. Until next time gardening friends, what’s your favourite variety of canna lilies? Drop a comment below and help your fellow gardeners create beautiful blooms in their own landscape.
