Planting Anemone and Ranunculus

Anemone and ranunculus require very similar planting and growing conditions and this planting guide should be considered the same for both.

 

There are several different types of anemone, some grow from corms and some are herbacious perrenials.

Anemone blanda, also known as the windflower, grows from corms that are planted in autumn for flowers the following spring. These are shorter in height than Anemome coronaria. Anemone blanda is an ideal companions for other spring blooming bulbs such as tulips and daffodils.

Anemone coronaria blooms in early spring or late summer, depending on when the corms were planted. De Caen and St. Brigid are the two most common types of Anemone coronaria. Both are outstanding cut flowers and will last two to three weeks in a vase.

 

Before planting your anemones or ranunculus, soak them in warm water for a few hours (or overnight in cold water). This will awaken the corms from dormancy and ensure they begin to send out roots immediately after planting, thus giving them the best possible start in life.

Plant around 7cm deep and 10cm apart. Anemones are incredibly difficult to find the right way up, but please don't worry, they will find their own way! With ranunculus, the spiky bits are the tuberous roots, keep these pointed down. Keep the soil moist during germination, letting it dry fully can send the corms back into dormancy.

 

Germination will vary depending on the time of year. If planting in autumn you should not see expect to see growth above the ground until temperatures start to warm up. Once the shoots have come up they usually take around 15 weeks to bloom.

Bloom time can vary greatly between 45 days for summer blooms, and up to seventy days when overwintered for spring blooms. With a light feeding during blooming, you can expect up to 20 flowers per bulb. They make an excellent cut flower due to their long vase life. Anemones are a true garden workhorse!

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