Expert: Long Island Gardener - 11/13/2007

Question
I have read several things you have written and I would appreciate your advice for more detail in digging up my cannas and dividing them for storage during the winter.
My zip is 46201 and while some people say you can leave them in the ground during the winter, I have had no such luck.
Currently I have 19 stalks and wanted to know specifics on cutting them down, digging them up, storage in my basement, and dividing them for spring replanting.  I am fairly new to growing a large garden, but the green thumb is mostly green with a few brown spots - HAHA.

Thank you for any information you can give.

Sincerely,

Pam

Answer
FYI Indianapolis, Indiana is USDA Zone 6.  Gardeners need these numbers.  Now you have them.

Cannas are TENDER perennials -- which generally means they do not have what it takes to survive a Winter where it gets coldenough to make water freeze.  Yes, there are tricks of the trade to dance around the laws of Nature.  But almost always, if you push this envelope, you'll lose your Cannas.

Since these are perennial, the first kiss of frost will blacken Canna leaves.  I am assuming this has already taken place.  Dig them up and bring them indoors, then remove any dead or dying leaves, and dust off the garden soil.

The standard storage routine involves burying them in sand or vermiculite for the Winter.  Not too deep - the crown should just peek through the sand.  Spray the container with water from time to time, to keep them from drying out completely.

Store them through the winter in a cool (but not frozen)basement or garage, in a paper bag if you need something to put them in.  The temperature must NEVER reach 32 degrees F - if it does, your Cannas will be kaput.

Monitor for new growth and in the late spring, after all possible chance of frost has passed, take them back outside to your garden and plant as usual.

Any questions, ask away; we'll turn that thumb pure Green.