In Indianapolis (USDA Zone 6a/6b), you should dig up your canna lilies after the first light frost, but before a hard freeze. Here’s a simple timeline and guide for you:
🌿 When to Dig Up Cannas
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Typical timing: Late October to early November in Indianapolis.
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Wait until the first light frost has blackened the leaves—this signals the plant to go dormant.
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Don’t wait too long after that, or the rhizomes could be damaged by a hard freeze (temps below 25°F).
🧺 How to Dig and Store Them
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Cut back the foliage to about 4–6 inches after frost.
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Gently dig up the clumps of rhizomes with a garden fork, being careful not to cut into them.
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Shake off the soil (don’t wash them) and let them air-dry in a warm, airy spot for 2–3 days.
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Store in peat moss, sawdust, or newspaper inside a cardboard box or paper bag.
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Keep them in a cool, dark, and dry place—around 40–50°F, like a basement or unheated closet.
🌸 Bonus Tip for Next Year
In spring, replant after danger of frost—usually mid- to late May in Indianapolis. You can even pot them up indoors in April if you want an early start.
