How to dig
and store cannas and other summer bulbs.
One of the tasks in preparation for
fall is to dig and store tender bulbs. Cannas, gladioli, begonia, dahlia bulbs,
rhizomes and corms will not survive the winter in the ground.
When the leaves
start to turn brown or the foliage is killed off by first frost, it’s time to
dig and store tender bulbs. Raise your bulbs with a spading fork, digging
carefully to avoid damage. Most bulbs will have grown over the summer. Cut the
remaining foliage back to about 2"-3". Rinse them off and let dry in a shady spot. After
bulbs dry, dust with sulfur.
Sulfur will help ward off diseases and insects. Bulbs
can be stored in cardboard boxes or paper bag containers layered with peat
moss, vermiculite or coir.
The
packing material will help stabilize the temperature. Remember to label bulbs and tubers going into
storage.
Write directly on the bulb with a felt maker or use plant labels.
Bulbs and tubers need attention during storage, so check on them every week or
so. Make sure they don’t dry out and keep an eye out for damage or disease that
may show up in storage. Mist the packing material to keep moisture levels up
and to prevent bulbs from drying out. If
bulbs start to shrivel or wrinkle, soak them in water for a few minutes and
re-moisten the packing material. In spring, divide rhizomes. Remove any dead
areas and make sure each division has at least one growing point or “eye”.
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