What do you do with your old, unused cannabis bulbs? If you’re like most people, the answer is probably “nothing.” But if you want to save money on your next grow, consider putting them in storage.
This Video Should Help:
Introduction
Cannas (Canna spp.) are rhizomatous tropical herbs that are widely grown as ornamental plants. They are native to the Caribbean, South America, and Central America. Cannas are grown in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 11. In cooler climates, they are often grown as annuals.
What are Canna Bulbs?
Cannas (Canna x generalis) are grown for their large, colorful leaves and showy flowers. Flowers can be red, orange, pink or yellow and are borne on 6-foot-tall plants. Cannas require a long warm season to flower properly and are sometimes grown as annuals in cooler climates. In frost-free areas, they can be left in the ground and will rebloom the following year. Cannas are generally propagated from divisions or rhizomes (bulbs).
Why do I need to store Canna Bulbs?
Cannas are grown from large fleshy bulbs and are winter hardy in Zones 7-11. They can be overwintered in colder climates by storing the bulbs indoors. In Illinois, cannas should be dug up before the first frost and stored indoors over winter.
Storing canna bulbs is easy and only requires a few simple steps. First, dig up the bulbs after the foliage has died back in fall. Be sure toshake off any excess dirt and then cure the bulbs by allowing them to air dry in a warm, dry location for about two weeks. Once they are fully dried, you can store the bulbs in a cool, dark location such as a basement or garage. Be sure to check on your bulbs periodically throughout the winter and remove any that show signs of rot or mold.
With proper care, your stored cannas should remain viable for several years. When youufffdre ready to plant them again, simply replant the bulbs in well-drained soil in a sunny location after all danger of frost has passed.
When should I store Canna Bulbs?
Most cannas are tropical or sub-tropical plants that cannot tolerate freezing temperatures. In Illinois, winter storage is necessary to prevent the bulbs from freezing and dying. The University of Illinois Extension recommends that cannas be dug up after the first frost in fall and stored in a cool, dry place for the winter.
Before storing the bulbs, cut off the foliage about 6 inches above the bulb. Allow the foliage to dry for a few days before storing the bulbs in a mesh bag or a box with good drainage. Store the bulbs in a cool (50-60ufffdF), dark, dry place such as an attic, garage or basement. Check on the bulbs periodically during storage and remove any that show signs of rotting.
With proper care, cannas can be stored for several years. When youufffdre ready to replant them, simply pot them up 6-8 weeks before your last frost date.
How should I store Canna Bulbs?
Cannas (Canna spp.) are grown as annuals in all parts of Illinois. They are not cold hardy and must be dug and stored over winter if they are to be reused the following year. Read on for tips from the University of Illinois Extension on how to store canna bulbs.
The best time to dig and store canna bulbs is after the first light frost has occurred and the foliage has turned yellow or brown. Foliage should be cut back to about 6 inches above ground level, taking care not to damage any emerging flower buds. The bulbs can then be dug up, careful not to damage them, and allowed to dry in a cool, well-ventilated area for a few days.
Once dry, the bulbs can be stored in a cool (50-60ufffdF), dark place such as an unused fridge or basement. A layer of peat moss, sawdust, or vermiculite can be spread out in the storage area to help keep the bulbs cool and dry. The bulbs should be placed in mesh bags or old pantyhose to prevent them from touching each other, as this could cause them to rot. Check on the bulbs every few weeks during storage and remove any that show signs of rotting. With proper care, cannas bulbs can be stored for up to six months.
Where should I store Canna Bulbs?
You should store your canna bulbs in a cool, dry place over the winter. The University of Illinois Extension recommends keeping them in a dry basement or garage where the temperature stays above freezing. If you live in an area with very cold winters, you may need to store your bulbs in a fridge set to between 35 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tips for Storing Canna Bulbs
Cannas (Canna spp.) are among the best of summer-flowering bulbs. With their large, lush leaves and showy flowers, they add a touch of the tropics to the garden. Cannas are native to warm regions of North and South America, but they are widely cultivated as ornamentals in temperate climates. In Illinois, cannas are best grown as annuals. However, in areas where they are not winter-hardy, cannas can be successfully overwintered if the bulbs are dug up and stored indoors.
The University of Illinois Extension recommends storing canna bulbs in an dry, airy location such as a basement or garage. Bulbs should be placed in a mesh bag or box and covered with peat moss or vermiculite. Avoid storing bulbs in plastic bags, as this can cause them to rot. Bulbs should be inspected periodically during storage and any that show signs of decay should be removed.
With proper care, canna bulbs can be stored for several years. When you’re ready to replant them, simply pot the bulbs up in moist potting mix and keep them in a sunny location. With a little TLC, your cannas will soon be blooming once again!
Frequently Asked Questions about Storing Canna Bulbs
Q. How do I store canna bulbs over winter? I live in Illinois.
A. Canna bulbs should be dug up before the first frost in late fall. Carefully lift the bulbs, making sure not to break the roots. Shake off any excess dirt and allow the bulbs to dry for a few days in a cool, dry place. Once they are dry, you can store them in a paper bag or a cardboard box in a cool, dry location such as a basement or garage. Be sure to check on them periodically throughout the winter and if you notice any signs of rot, be sure to throw those bulbs out.
Q. Can I store my canna bulbs in the fridge?
A. While you can store your canna bulbs in the fridge, it is not recommended as it can cause them to rot. A cool, dry location such as a basement or garage is best.
Conclusion
Canna bulbs should be dug and dried before storing for the winter. They can be stored in a cool, dry location such as an attic, garage or basement. Be sure to place them in a well-ventilated container such as a mesh bag. The University of Illinois Extension recommends checking your bulbs every few weeks and discarding any that show signs of rot.
Further Reading
The University of Illinois Extension office cannas are a tropical plant, most often grown as an annual in Illinois. But, with a little extra care, you can store your canna bulbs over winter and enjoy them for years to come.
Here are some tips from the University of Illinois Extension office on how to store canna bulbs:
Cannas are tropical plants, most often grown as annuals in Illinois. But, with a little extra care, you can store your canna bulbs over winter and enjoy them for years to come.
Here are some tips from the University of Illinois Extension office on how to store canna bulbs:
First, dig up the bulbs after the first killing frost in fall. Cut back the foliage to about 6 inches, and shake off any excess dirt. Allow the bulbs to dry in a warm, well-ventilated area for two weeks.
Next, brush off any remaining dirt and remove any damaged or diseased bulbs. Store the healthy bulbs in a dry peat moss or vermiculite mixture in a cool (50-60 degree), dark place such as an unheated basement or garage. Inspect the bulbs periodically during storage, and discard any that show signs of decay.
With proper care, your cannas should emerge from storage ready to grow and bloom next summer!
