I met a man today that works as a landscaper for a large industrial park out here. I bought his hoop house. The thing 48 feet long an 14 feet wide. Only been used for 4 years and he kept a collection of lawn mowers in it. Only paid $250.00 for it, but we had to take it down ourselves. After we get done taking this thing down and loading it on a trailer he asks me if I want a couple of plants because he has a few extra. Well this is what I came home with.
6 Canna ,1 Coral Bells,2 Butterfly bush,1 Siberian Iris and 2 pots and 1 flat of something he couldn't remember but he knows they have yellow flowers. Do you believe that for luck?
I really needed some cheering up and distraction after taking care of my mom all the time. This couldn't have come at a better time for me. Anyway, my question is, I've never had Canna. They are still in pots. One has a spent bloom on it,one has a bud on it and the rest are just leaves. Should I plant them or just keep them in the pots till next year? I know your supposed to dig them up in the fall. What should I do? Thanks,
datgirl
a

Well it depends where you live. If you are north of their hardiness zone, You'll have to dig them up before the 1st frost, trim back all the stalk, and store them in a cool, dry place. I like to put mine in peat and store them in an unheated room in my basement.

Here's very informative site I found when I googled canna bulbs.

http://www.cannas.net/default.asp

From this website, "The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map will help you determine how to best care for your cannas during the winter months. In zones 7-10 cannas can be safely left in the ground during the winter. Zone 6 is a median climate for cannas. Cannas grown in zone 6 can be left in the ground during less severe winter seasons but always have the possibility of freezing during more severe winters. Cannas grown in zones 5 and colder must be dug and stored during the winter. Our FAQ page has recommendations and tips for successful winter storage."

Hope that helps!

Thanks. I'm zone 5, Northern Illinois. I'm almost in Wisconsin. I guess I'll just leave them in the pots that they're in.

Sounds like a good plan for this year. Just get them inside before the 1st frost. If you miss the 1st frost, still bring them...they still may be ok.