Nov
It is easy to grow anemones, one of the most beautiful early spring flowers. Anemones are members of the buttercup family, a relative to the ranunculus, and a staple in my garden. They are a stand-out bloom in arrangements and bouquets and last surprisingly long. Of all anemones, the white and black are my favorite. They have a delicate white paddle-shaped petal with a velvety black center that sometimes even looks navy blue or purple.
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Bridal Romance
Anemone are a hot trend in bridal bouquets and arrangements because of their delicate, poppy-like petals that add romance and interest to the bridal decor. They are easily grown and they are a hardy cut flower to bring inside or a thrilling element when left in the garden. However you decide to enjoy them, you will find this post helpful as you include them in your spring garden.
Anemone Corms
Anemones produce a seed, but are typically grown from a bulb called a corm. These corms are brown and shriveled and sometimes look like a Hershey Kiss.
Arizona Growing
In zone 9b where I live, I plant anemones October through December. Check your local zone and planting calendar for information on when to plant in your area.
Ranunculus Companion
When grown in the garden with ranunculus, they pack a significant punch. Since they are relatives, they compliment each other well. When combined in a bouquet, the two flowers create a magic and a statement that will keep speaking to those who see them together long after the bouquet has faded. A few weeks ago I posted How to Grow Ranunculus, and this week you will learn How to Grow Anemones following these easy steps.
How To Prepare Your Corms For Planting
To grow Anamones and have success with them, simply follow these steps.
1- Purchase quality corms. My favorite vendors for anemone are Floret and Breck’s.
2- Soak corms for 3-24 hours in room temperature water. Do NOT oversoak.
3- You can either plant directly in-ground, or pre-sprout. If planting directly, skip to step 7.
4- To pre-sprout, fill a flat-bottom seed tray halfway full of moist potting soil. Most soil mixes need to be primed to retain moisture. After wetting the soil with a watering can, work the moisture into the soil thoroughly with your hands.
5- Spread the soaked corms over the soil and completely cover with more soil. We have found this soil scoop helpful.
6- Leave tray in a 40-50 degree area for 10 days where rodents cannot disturb it. Check every few days to make sure soil is moist but not soggy. Remove any corms that show signs of mold or rot.
7- Once the 10 days are up, or directly after soaking if you are skipping the pre-sprouting method, plant corms 3-4 inches apart at a depth of 3 inches. It doesn’t matter which way you plant them, as anemones will grow regardless of how they are placed in-ground. Make sure you are planting them in an area with good drainage.
8- Blooms begin in spring and will continue for 8-10 weeks. However, in zone 9b where I live, I have sometimes had blooms as early as December. Harvest from the base of the plant as soon as buds open for the longest vase life.
9- If you choose to enjoy your blooms in the garden and not as a cut flower, deadhead as the bloom begins to droop for continual flower production.
If you’ve never experienced anemones growing in your garden, this is one you must add to your planting list!
