A mix of anemone corms with large blue, red, purple, and white flowers Anemones are lovely flowers that can be grown in gardens. In addition to the Japanese anemone, which blooms in autumn, there is also an anemone that blooms in spring! This type of anemone is perfect for use as a cut flower too. Anemones are cultivated in a similar way to ranunculus. However, their leaves are structured differently, making them hardier and easier to grow compared to ranunculus. The anemone plant continuously produces new flowers for a period of 6 to 8 weeks. Depending on how well your plant is doing, it can produce up to 15 flowers. You can begin planting anemones in autumn, specifically in September and October. Alternatively, you can also start planting them early in the year, towards the end of January until mid-February. Typically, anemones planted in autumn grow slightly taller but may require extra care during cold weather. If your spring season tends to be relatively warm (20°C or higher), it is advisable to start planting anemones in autumn because they prefer cooler temperatures. In general, anemones are easier to grow than ranunculus. If you are unsure, it’s best to start with anemones first. If you like to grow them together you can sign up for a free e-mail course. We will grow the anemones together with the ranunculus. You can sign up for September/October, January/February, or both. Planting information to grow anemone: Plant type: half-hardy annual or short-lived perennial Height: 40 – 50 centimeters Position: full sun or partial share Start: autumn and/or late winter Number of days until plants bloom: 90-100 days Distance between the plants: 25-30 centimeters Germination: 14 days at 15-18 °C Pinching: no Flowers: March to June depending on the weather Number of corms  per pack: 12, large size Number of flowers: 10 – 20 depending on the growing conditions Fragrant flowers: lightly scented, sweet

How do you grow anemones?

Anemones can be grown from either seeds or corms, although most growers prefer corms. Before getting started, consider your local climate. Anemones thrive in cool spring temperatures but wither away as it gets warmer (above 25°C), much like tulips. If your spring season tends to be warm, it’s best to start planting anemones in the fall. This way, the plants can grow throughout the winter and bloom in early spring. Another important factor to consider is the hardiness of anemones. These plants can tolerate temperatures as low as -10°C for short periods. If you experience cold winters with frequent snowfall, you should delay planting the corms until late winter. In regions like ours (The Netherlands), where the spring is relatively cold, anemones can be started in the fall, but they may require extra protection. We cover the plants with fleece frost protection when a cold spell is predicted. Alternatively, you can start them in late winter (February) and transplant them outdoors in March without any additional protection. Similar to tulip bulbs, anemone corms are susceptible to rot. If your soil is heavy and poorly drained, it’s advisable to wait until it dries out a bit before planting your anemones. While anemones can be grown in pots, it’s important to choose large pots and avoid overcrowding. One common mistake is underestimating their growth potential, resulting in pots that appear small and empty once spring arrives. Additionally, keep in mind that the soil in pots warms up more quickly in the sun.

How do you start anemones?

To start anemones, begin by soaking the corms in water for 6 to 8 hours. When you receive the dried corms, they are in a dormant state for better storage. Soaking them will rehydrate and plump them up significantly. Although they may appear small upon arrival, you’ll notice that the corms increase in size by at least 2 to 3 times as they start growing. After soaking, plant the corms in potting soil mixed with perlite. It’s important to use well-draining and aerated soil to prevent rot. We recommend using a 40-cell tray for corms started in spring, and a 28-deep-cell propagation tray for overwintering in a greenhouse. Alternatively, you can opt for P9 plant pots or a 15-cell large tray. Anemones develop an extensive root system and do not thrive when root-bound. Plant them with the pointed side facing down. Store your planted corms in a room or cellar where the temperature can be maintained between 10°C and 15°C. It takes approximately 2 weeks for the corms to begin sprouting. Once you see the first shoots emerging, you can move them to a greenhouse or another well-lit location, avoiding direct sunlight through a windowsill. A greenhouse, propagator, grow tent, grow rack with a plastic cover, or a polytunnel are ideal options. Fresh corms may attract rodents, so be cautious. However, once the corms have developed leaves and roots, this ceases to be a concern. When the plants have outgrown their cells or pots, transplant them into free-draining soil. In cold winters, it’s necessary to provide frost protection for the plants when temperatures drop below -8°C. The foliage might droop temporarily but will recover. Unfortunately, the flowers cannot withstand frost. If frost damage occurs, trim the affected flowers, and new buds will form.