Tips for growing and caring for anemone

There are several species of Anemone that offer different colors, different heights, different bloom times, and different hardiness levels. But all Anemone have a basal clump of leaves with stems growing upright to support delicate flowers. A common name is windflower because the poppy-like blooms sway and dance in the slightest breeze. Typically, Anemone are planted from corms or bare-roots, but for the gardening hobbyist, growing these lovely perennials from seed can be a very rewarding challenge.

Planting Time
Anemone seeds can be started and grown indoors at any time. When grown from seed, the plants can take 2 – 3 years to produce blooms. The seed does required a cold treatment for germination.

Planting Location
Anemone plants can be located in full sun to partial shade. They prefer relatively moist soil that drains well. A compost amendment worked into the soil at the time of transplanting is helpful.

How to Plant Anemone
Mix the seeds into some damp soil and place this in the refrigerator for 4 weeks
After the cold period, sow the seeds into pots filled with damp soil
Cover the seeds lightly with soil
Place the pots in a warm location with bright indirect light for germination and growing
Once the plants have developed true leaves, place them in full sun for continued growing
When temperatures are warm outdoors, harden off the seedlings for 7 – 10 days prior to transplanting out
Amend the soil with compost at the time of transplanting
Space the seedlings according to the species that is being grown
Another method of seed propogation would be to winter sow the seeds in a cold frame – allow the seedlings to mature in the cold frame prior to lifting and transplanting

Care And Maintenance
Anemone prefer moist conditions so monitor the soil to make sure it does not dry out too much
Trim the plant back in the fall and put a light layer of mulch over the top to help over-winter
If grown in a pot, place the pot in a cold green house or out-building for wintering
If the Anemone has rizomatous roots, divide the plant every 3 years or so
Depending on the species, some Anemone flowers need to have stakes or other support