October 5, 2001, Newsletter Issue #45: Winter Care of Cannas

Tip of the Week

A Potted History
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The main Canna species is Canna indica, which is indeed native to India. It gets its common name, "Indian Shot" from its extremely hard round black seeds. Cannas are not winter hardy and must, in all but the warmest regions, be lifted and stored frost-free for the winter.

Fool- Proof Winter Care
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This simple method guarantees that the fleshy roots do not dehydrate during storage, the most common reason for failure to regrow.

(1) Before frost blackens the foliage, label your clumps while you can still see the colour of the flowers.
(2) As soon as frost hits, or before if you prefer, dig up the entire clump retaining the foliage.
(3) Bring into a frost free garage or greenhouse. Pot the roots into a pot just large enough to fit all the roots in.
(4) Do not water and let the foliage die back naturally.
(5) When the foliage has died down and turned brown and paper-like, cut it all off leaving a 2" stump.
(6) Keep the pots frost-free and do not water at all over the winter.
(7) During late February, take the roots out of the pot. Clean off the old soil and repot in fresh potting compost and water well. Place in a light area in a temperature of around 50 degrees. Growth will restart in a few weeks.
(8) Continue watering as required and feeding once a week till late May, harden off and plant outside.

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