Question
QUESTION: I have always waited till after a frost to pull my calillies, cannas
and dahlias. I am going away and want to know if it will hurt them to pull them before they get hit by frost?

ANSWER: Hi Kim,
Thanx for your question.  No, it will not harm the plants you mention if you cut the green growth off and lift the bulbs now or anytime before the first frost.  As you would with rhizomes, bulbs and tubers lifted after frost, just make sure they have a cool, dark dry place to sleep during the winter. I hope this helps.
Tom

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Tom is it better to leave them in till they get hit by frost? And what does this do for them. Thanks Kim

Answer
Hi Kim,
Thanx for the followup.  I can only theorize that in my experience, exposing tropical or subtropical bulbs to a first frost throws them into a natural dormancy and helps them prepare better for lying inactive during the winter.  I hope this helps.
Tom