My Simple Guide to Storing Dahlias and Cannas Over Winter

• Aug 05, 2026
• by Rebecca Auchter

I love talking with customers here at Cavacini Garden Center, and one of the questions I frequently get is, "Can I save my dahlias and cannas for next year?" The answer is absolutely yes!  Here in Lawrenceville and throughout the Pittsburgh area (USDA Hardiness Zone 7 or 6b), our winters are usually too cold for dahlia tubers and canna rhizomes to survive in the ground. If you want to enjoy them again next summer, you'll need to dig them up before winter. The good news is that it's much easier than most people think.

Here is the simple process I recommend:

Step 1: Wait for the first frost.
Once the foliage has been blackened by a light frost, cut the stems back to about 4 to 6 inches. The frost tells the plant it's time to go dormant and allows it to store energy for next year.

Step 2: Carefully dig them up.
Use a garden fork or shovel and dig several inches away from the plant so you don't accidentally cut the tubers or rhizomes. Gently shake off the loose soil, then lightly spray them with a garden hose to remove most of the remaining topsoil. This helps you inspect them for damage and prepares them for storage.

Step 3: Let them dry.
Place them in a cool, dry location out of direct sunlight for several days. This allows the outer skin to dry and helps prevent rot during storage.

Step 4: Store them for winter.
Place the tubers or rhizomes in a cardboard box, paper bag, or crate filled with dry peat moss, wood shavings, or vermiculite. Avoid plastic containers or anything that can't breathe. Store them in a dark location where temperatures stay between about 40° and 50°F. A basement, garage, or cellar often works well as long as it doesn't freeze.

Step 5: Check them during the Winter.
Take a quick look each month during the winter. If they seem shriveled, lightly mist the packing material. If you find any soft or moldy pieces, remove them so they don't affect the rest.

We carry a great selection of dahlias, cannas, and other summer flowering bulbs, and I'm always happy to answer questions about planting, dividing, or storing them. If you're not sure whether you've stored them correctly, bring them in early next Spring and we'll take a look. We'd much rather help you save them than have you start over.  We can also give you advice on potting them ahead of planting season.

Happy gardening!
Rebecca