Heavy mulch will help insulate them in the winter. In colder regions in the state, such as mountain elevations, dig cannas for winter storage, she said. In autumn, after the first frost blackens the foliage, cut the stalks just above the soil and then lift the bulbs and allow them to partially dry. Sort by size, clean and discard any diseased, scarred or insect-infested bulbs. Find fresh, healthy bulbs at garden stores or through mail-order catalogs.
Depth is measured from the top of the bulb to the soil surface.
In very loose, sandy soils, plant bulbs two to three inches deeper than normally recommended. They can be used in the perennial border, naturalized areas, rock gardens, foundation plantings, flower borders and containers. Adequate sunlight results in larger blooms and healthier, hardier plants. This is due to their increased ability to produce stored foods for next year's growth. The best type of soil for bulbs has good drainage coupled with good water-holding capacity, she said.