Cannas multiply throughout their growing season, so when it comes time to dig them up for winter storage after a hard freeze, you will find more than you started with. As a result, I’m sure your friend will be more than happy to share the new rhizomes with you for your net spring planting (after all signs of spring freeze has disappeared). Don’t allow the rhizomes to freeze over the winter while they’re in storage and don’t refrigerate them. The best storage temperature for them is 50 to 60 degrees.

“Are there any annual plants that actually self-seed?”

Yes!  However, it does depend on where you live and what conditions the seeds are exposed to.  And while some seeds just gently take over an area, there are also some that are more aggressive and invasive than others. When you’re driving around look and see what plants in your neighborhood are doing well from year to year. I’d also check with your local extension office too for educated tips on what does well in your area. For starters though, some self-seeding annuals include Cosmos, Marigolds, Aster, Baby’s Breath, Trailing Lobelia, Nasturtium, Poppies, Larkspurs, Bachelor Buttons, Forget-me-Nots, Alyssum, Four O’Clocks, Petunia and Impatiens. GG

Barbara Sue Schubert is a human resource professional, free-lance writer and a garden and plant enthusiast from southern Wisconsin.  “To me, HR and gardening have a lot in common, both feed my family!  Writing, on the other hand, feeds my soul.”