Canna and Elephant Ear Plants In Zone 5?

Question

We are in NW Indiana Zone 5 and we have 2 Canna plants and 2 Elephant ear plants grown from the big bulbs you buy at walmart. What would happen if I left these outside over the winter? Would they survive if I covered them with straw. What should I do with them for the winter? I was thinking of just sinking them in our pond over winter.

Answer 1

Bring them inside. Someplace cool, dry and dark.

If you leave them outside, they will most likely die - even if you put straw on them. They can't take being in frozen ground.

If you sink them in your pond - they will rot. Store them dry. Either bring the whole pot in, or dig them up, and put them in a bag (not plastic - it needs to breathe) maybe in some peat moss - or just naked in a brown bag (which is what I do)

Answer 2

Late fall dig up the bublbs rinse of asmuch dirt as you can then leave them outside to dry for a few days.Once the clump has dried for a week, the remaining clods will crumble away easier. Don't worry if some dirt remains wedged among the roots. Place the roots in dry peat moss or vermiculite in a sturdy cardboard box. The peat moss will slow the loss of moisture from the roots and keep them from shriveling. Store the box at about 45 degrees F. (never below freezing) in a garage, crawl space, or basement. Warmer temperatures allow the roots to sprout in midwinter, and you don't want that to happen.
As soon as any chance of frost or freezing temps has passed replant them.

Answer 3

I live south of you and have to dig up my elephant ear bulbs to keep them from freezing.

I experimented with some by covering them and leaving them outside and none came back. The ones I brought in are doing well.

I cut the stems off after the first frost, dig up the bulbs, and shake the dirt off. I store them in cardboard boxes packed in excelsior or very dry peat moss in a cool (but not cold) dark place inside.

I may try keeping some in the crawlspace under the house this year to keep them out of the way, but I'm not going to do all of them that way just in case.

Answer 4

They will freeze and most likely die in your zone. Instead...after the first frost, cut them low to the ground, dig them up, and store in a paper grocery bag in a dark corner in your basement, 'til next year, around Mother's Day, replant them and enjoy...or not.

Answer 5

Bring them inside the garage or shed and water them once a month in the winter.

Answer 6

i have them and i just dig them up and replant them in the spring..put them in a dark closet for the winter...cute them down to the bulb

Answer 7

You have to dig them up after they die off and bring in. They will freeze and rot outdoors

Answer 8

I agree. These first 7 people are all correct, they all have the BEST answer!!