As September arrives, autumn’s chill is just around the corner. If you are growing striking canna lilies with their broad tropical foliage and vibrant colorful blooms, now is the crucial time to prepare them for the changing weather before the first autumn frost arrives.
1. Monitor Weather and Protect Late Blooms
Keep a close eye on your local weather forecasts throughout September. While canna lilies thrive in summer heat, upcoming light frosts can damage their tender foliage and instantly blacken their leaves, signaling that winter dormancy is approaching.
2. Reduce Watering and Stop Fertilizing
In September, start tapering off your watering schedule and completely stop applying nitrogen-rich fertilizers. Stopping fertilizer encourages the plant to slow down its active vegetative growth and begin storing vital nutrients in its underground rhizomes.
3. Preparing for Rhizome Digging and Storage
In regions where freezing temperatures occur, canna lilies are not winter-hardy. After the first light frost blackens the foliage, it is time to carefully dig up the underground rhizomes, gently brush away excess soil, and store them in a cool, dry, frost-free location over the winter months.
