Buzz
Despite their name, canna lilies are not part of the lily family. Photo by Raththaphon Wanjit / Getty ImagesKey Points to Remember
- Once the first frost has passed, use a spade to gently dig up the canna bulbs, removing them from the soil, and clean off any remaining dirt.
- Let the bulbs air dry for two to three weeks, then place them between sheets of newspaper inside a bucket, leaving the top open.
- Store the bucket in a cool, dark area, checking regularly for any signs of rot, and make sure the temperature does not fall below freezing to keep them viable for replanting in the spring.
Though canna plants have stems that resemble those of ginger lilies and are often called canna lilies, they are not actually part of the lily family [source: JLGarden Center]. These plants can grow as tall as 8 to 10 feet (2.4 to 3 meters) and have a wide spread. Their broad, flat leaves are similar to those of banana trees. The canna lily blooms with striking red-orange or yellow flowers that rise majestically above the plant, from late spring to early fall. Canna lilies can be propagated from seeds or bulbs [source: JLGarden Center, Heath]. Here's a guide to storing canna bulbs for winter so you can replant them in the spring.
- After the first frost in the fall, use a spade to dig up the canna bulbs. Insert the spade under the bulb at a 45-degree angle, and gently lift it out of the ground.
- Shake off any soil attached to the bulb. If it’s stubborn, rinse the bulb with warm water.
- Allow the bulb to dry for two to three weeks after it’s been dug up.
- Line a bucket with newspaper, then place a layer of bulbs on top. Add another sheet of newspaper, then another layer of bulbs. Continue layering the bulbs and newspaper until the bucket is full or the bulbs run out.
- Store the uncovered bucket in a cool, dark place. Check the bulbs regularly for any rot, and trim away any decaying parts. As long as the temperature in the storage area doesn’t fall below freezing and no rot sets in, you can replant the canna bulbs in the spring [source: Romer].
