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Canna lilies are vibrant, tropical-looking plants that add a splash of color to gardens during the summer months. As the growing season winds down, proper storage becomes essential to ensure these beautiful plants return healthy and vigorous the next year. One of the key steps in fall preparation is deadheading, which can significantly impact the health and longevity of your canna lilies.
Understanding Canna Lilies and Their Dormancy
Canna lilies (Canna spp.) are perennial plants native to tropical and subtropical regions. They thrive in warm climates but require special care in cooler areas. As the weather cools in fall, canna lilies naturally enter dormancy, signaling the end of their active growth phase. Properly storing the rhizomes during this period is crucial to prevent rot and disease, ensuring they remain healthy for future planting.
The Importance of Deadheading
Deadheading involves removing spent flowers from the plant. This practice encourages the plant to focus its energy on root and rhizome development rather than seed production. Additionally, deadheading can prevent the formation of seed pods that may divert resources from the plant’s health and storage readiness. Regular deadheading during the blooming season promotes a longer flowering period and stronger plants come fall.
How Deadheading Benefits Fall Storage
Removing faded flowers reduces the risk of fungal infections and pest infestations. It also helps keep the plant tidy and less prone to disease. When deadheading is performed consistently, the plant’s energy is conserved and directed toward the development of healthy rhizomes, making storage easier and more successful.
Steps to Properly Store Canna Lilies
- Stop fertilizing: Cease fertilization about six weeks before the first expected frost to encourage dormancy.
- Deadhead regularly: Remove spent flowers throughout the blooming season to promote healthy growth and prepare the plant for storage.
- Cut back foliage: Once the plant has finished blooming, trim back the foliage to about 4-6 inches above the rhizome.
- Dig up rhizomes: After the first frost kills the foliage, carefully dig up the rhizomes with a garden fork or spade.
- Clean and dry: Brush off excess soil and allow the rhizomes to dry in a warm, well-ventilated area for a few days.
- Store in a cool, dry place: Place the dried rhizomes in mesh bags, paper bags, or crates with peat moss or vermiculite, and store in a location with temperatures around 45-50°F (7-10°C).
Additional Tips for Successful Storage
Ensure the storage area is free from excessive moisture to prevent rot. Check the rhizomes periodically during winter, and discard any that show signs of mold or decay. In spring, replant the healthy rhizomes after the danger of frost has passed, and your canna lilies will reward you with lush, colorful foliage and blooms.