Question
Hi, I live in Eastern Washington, It's high desert, we have hot summers and sometimes pretty cold winters with snow etc.  This summer I bought Canna lillies for my patio. They did wonderful in large pots, giving me much pleasure with their gorgeous blooms. They are still blooming. My question is; How do I winterize them? Can I cut and separate them now and store them some way for the winter? Possibly in my garage? HELP!   I bought one for my Mom too and we don't know what to do to save them for next year. Any advise would be welcomed. Thank You!!

Answer
Cannas should be air dried for a week -- someplace warm -- before you put them in storage.  Then tuck them into a cardboard box and store 'til Spring.

Some people pour peat moss or vermiculite into the box with the bulbs, but I find this unnecessary.  Cool, dark, humid storage with plenty of ventilation (which means NO PLASTIC BAGS) is always best.  A damp, dark basement would be ideal.  Your garage sounds a little too cold -- you don't want them to rot before you retrieve them.  Be prepared to lose a few the first season you try this, and don't sweat -- you'll get the hang of it.  Practice makes perfect.