How do cannas survive the winter?

Canna is a perennial herb with brightly colored flowers and ornamental value. Its dwarf varieties are suitable for potted plants . When growing cannas, you must pay attention to winter management. So how do cannas survive the winter? Let’s take a look with the editor below.

1. Temperature control

Canna prefers a warm environment of 15℃-30℃. When the temperature drops to around the time of frost, canna should be moved indoors or other insulation measures should be taken. The indoor temperature should be kept at 5℃-10℃, avoid dropping below 0℃ to prevent frost damage.

2. Dig out the tubers and save them

Before winter comes, the tuberous roots of canna can be carefully dug out to avoid damaging the roots. Place the dug tubers in a pot, cover with soil, and then move them to a warm and well-ventilated place indoors for storage. Make sure the soil remains slightly moist, but avoid standing water.

3. Cover and keep warm

In areas south of the Yangtze River, cannas can spend the winter outdoors because the light and temperature are relatively suitable. But around the time of frost, canna plants should be covered with a layer of straw or soil to keep them warm and moist.

4. Dig a pit and bury it

In northern regions, if the winter is very cold, you can cut off the above-ground part of the canna after it withers, then dig out the rhizomes , dry them in the sun, and bury them outdoors in a sheltered, sunny place at a depth of 1-1.5 meters, filling them with straw and soil to keep them warm.

5. Water and fertilizer management

In winter, due to the low temperature, water evaporates slowly, so the amount and frequency of watering need to be controlled to avoid root rot. Wait until the soil in the pot is completely dry before watering in moderation to avoid overwatering which may cause root rot. In winter, the plant's demand for nutrients decreases, so fertilization should be suspended and resumed after the temperature rises in spring.

6. Ensure lighting

Ensure sufficient light every day. You can place it on the balcony. Yellow leaves will appear easily due to lack of light. Place your canna on a south-facing windowsill so it gets as much sunlight as possible. If natural light is insufficient, consider using grow lights to supplement your lighting.

The above is an introduction to how cannas survive the winter. Winter is the dormant period of cannas, and fertilization should be stopped to avoid burdening the plants. Be sure to remove dead, diseased and weak leaves, which will not only reduce the burden on the plant, but also encourage it to sprout new leaves better in the spring.