Essential Tips for Storing Calla Lilies and Canna Rhizomes After Frost

"Essential Tips for Storing Calla Lilies and Canna Rhizomes After Frost"

Introduction

This guide provides essential tips for properly storing Calla lilies and Canna rhizomes after the first frost. Ensuring these plants are correctly stored can help preserve their health and vitality for the next growing season.

What You'll Learn

1. How to prepare Calla lilies and Canna rhizomes for storage.
2. The best conditions for storing these plants over winter.
3. Common mistakes to avoid when storing bulbs and rhizomes.
4. How to troubleshoot issues that may arise during storage.

Step-by-Step Guide

Before you begin the storage process, assess the condition of your Calla lilies and Cannas after frost exposure.

1. Inspect the foliage for damage; remove any dead or damaged leaves.
2. Check the rhizomes for firmness; discard any that are mushy or rotten.

Carefully dig up the rhizomes from their containers or garden beds.

1. Use a garden fork to gently lift the rhizomes from the soil.
2. Take care not to damage the rhizomes during the process.

After excavation, clean the rhizomes to prepare them for storage.

1. Shake off excess soil gently and remove any remaining dirt.
2. Trim the leaves down to about one inch above the rhizome.

Allow the rhizomes to cure before storing them.

1. Place the cleaned rhizomes in a crate in a dry, warm area for a few days.
2. This helps to dry out any excess moisture and prepares them for long-term storage.

Pack the cured rhizomes in a suitable medium for storage.

1. Use burlap and slightly moistened vermiculite to pack the rhizomes.
2. Ensure the storage area is cool, ideally around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pro Tips

Here are some expert tips to ensure successful storage of your Calla lilies and Canna rhizomes.

1. Label your storage containers with the variety names and storage dates.
2. Check on the stored rhizomes periodically to ensure they are not drying out or developing mold.
3. Consider using a root cellar or a cool basement for optimal storage conditions.

Best Practices

Following these best practices will help maximize the health of your stored plants.

1. Always store rhizomes in a well-ventilated area to prevent moisture buildup.
2. Avoid overwatering the plants before digging them up to minimize rot.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are some common issues you may encounter and how to address them.

1. If rhizomes appear mushy, they may have been stored too wet; cut away affected areas and repack them with dry medium.
2. If you notice mold on stored rhizomes, remove them immediately and disinfect the storage area.

Summary

By following these steps, you can successfully store your Calla lilies and Canna rhizomes after frost. Proper care during storage will help ensure that these beautiful plants thrive in the next growing season.