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A Homes & Gardens gardening report advises waiting until after the first light frost, and until foliage has died back, before lifting dahlias and cannas in areas where they cannot stay in the ground over winter. They should be dug up before a hard frost or frozen soil and stored cool, dry and frost-free.
A Homes & Gardens gardening report says gardeners in colder areas should lift dahlias and cannas after a light first frost, rather than before it, but must do so before a hard frost or the ground freezes. The timing lets the plants enter dormancy and their foliage die back before their vulnerable tubers and rhizomes are stored for winter.
Dahlias and cannas are tender perennials: freezing can damage the tubers and rhizomes they rely on to regrow. The report says gardeners in colder locations should dig them up and keep them somewhere cool, dark and frost-free. In USDA hardiness zones 7 or 8 and above, they may be left in the ground under mulch, provided the soil is not excessively wet; local conditions still matter.
The report advises waiting for the foliage to change color or die back, a sign that the plant has transferred its remaining energy to its underground storage organs. After lifting, cut stems to about six inches, dig well away from the plant to limit damage, and remove clinging soil. Discard or cut away any soft, rotting sections with a clean tool, then let the healthy material dry out of direct sunlight for about a week before storage.
For storage, the report gives a target range of 45°F to 55°F and suggests breathable boxes with dry soil, sawdust or vermiculite, or individual wrapping in newspaper or hessian. Airtight containers and sealed plastic bags can trap moisture. Check stored plants every few weeks for mold or decay. Plants grown in pots may instead be cut back after the foliage dies and moved to a cool, frost-free garage or greenhouse; insulate the pots if their storage spot could approach freezing.
Timing Protects Next Season’s Plants
The advice addresses a narrow but consequential autumn task: lifting too early can interrupt the plants’ seasonal wind-down, while waiting too long can expose their tubers and rhizomes to damaging cold. The practical window is therefore tied to plant condition and the forecast, not a fixed calendar date.
Getting the timing and storage conditions right can help gardeners preserve plants for flowering in a later season instead of replacing them. The report also stresses that storage is not a one-time step: moisture, mold and temperatures near freezing can still damage plants over winter, so periodic checks are part of the process.
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Why Frost Timing Differs by Plant
The report distinguishes dahlias and cannas from tender plants such as tuberous begonias and evergreen agapanthus, which may need to be brought under cover before temperatures fall. It says a light frost can signal the end of the growing season for cannas and dahlias, allowing them to enter dormancy. This is not a reason to leave them exposed to severe cold: the report advises lifting them before a hard frost or frozen ground.
Whether they need digging also varies by climate and growing conditions. The report says plants in some warmer USDA zones can be mulched and left in place if the soil does not remain overly wet, while colder-area gardeners generally need frost-free storage. These are broad gardening guidelines, not a guarantee for every local site; the report does not provide region-specific forecasts or a single date for lifting.
““Cannas and dahlia plants should stay outside until the first light frost has passed.””
— Homes & Gardens report
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Local Frost Dates Remain Key
The report gives general seasonal guidance, not a forecast for any particular garden. The date of the first light frost and the arrival of hard frost vary by location and year, and conditions in a garden can differ from regional forecasts. It is not clear from the report how every variety will respond to a specific site’s soil, drainage or microclimate.
The guidance also does not give a detailed, universal treatment for mold or storage problems. It recommends checking plants every few weeks and says a vinegar solution may be used on white or grey mold, but the supplied report text ends before completing its advice about soft tubers. Gardeners should not assume that a damaged or moldy plant can always be saved.
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Watch Plants and the Forecast
For gardeners approaching the seasonal task, the next step is to monitor foliage and local forecasts. Once the foliage has changed color or died back after a light frost, lift plants that need winter storage, taking care not to cut or bruise the underground parts. Do not wait if a hard frost or frozen ground is expected.
After drying and packing the plants in a breathable container, keep them in a cool, dry, dark place and inspect them every few weeks. Gardeners leaving suitable plants in the ground or overwintering potted specimens should account for local soil moisture and the risk of freezing. The report does not announce a new regulation or scheduled event; the timing remains a seasonal decision based on conditions in each garden.
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Key Questions
Should I lift dahlias and cannas before the first frost?
The report advises waiting until after the first light frost and until the foliage has changed color or died back. Lift them before a hard frost or frozen ground if they cannot safely remain outdoors in your area.
Can dahlias and cannas stay in the ground over winter?
The report says they may be mulched and left in the ground in USDA hardiness zones 7 or 8 and above, if the soil is not overly wet. This is general guidance, and local winter conditions can affect whether it is suitable for a particular garden.
How should lifted tubers and rhizomes be stored?
Let them dry out of direct sunlight, then store them in a cool, dark, dry and frost-free place. The report gives a target of 45°F to 55°F and recommends breathable boxes with dry soil, sawdust or vermiculite rather than airtight containers.
How often should stored plants be checked?
The report recommends checking dahlias and cannas every few weeks for mold or decay. Remove damaged material where appropriate and keep the storage area from becoming too cold or damp.
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