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Anemone Planting Calendar

Poppy-type anemones grow from small, hard corms and bloom in cool weather. Like ranunculus, they need drainage, a cool season and timing that suits your winter lows.

When should you plant anemone corms?

Anemones are cool-season flowers. In mild regions, gardeners plant in fall for winter or spring bloom. In colder regions, planting happens in very early spring or in protected tunnels, or corms are started indoors in a cool spot and moved out before hard freeze has passed.

Use your local frost dates from the National Weather Service or your county extension office. Ask your extension office which timing cut-flower growers use in your area.

Time matters because anemones decline as days warm. Plan to have plants established before spring heat arrives, and ask local growers when bloom ended in recent years.

• Check your average last frost.
• Decide between fall and early spring planting.
• Plan protection for cold nights.
• Record bloom dates each year.
• Choose a protected spot.
• Mark the planting week.
• Keep soil moist, not wet.
• Plan covers for hard freezes.

How do you prepare anemone corms?

Dry anemone corms are small and hard, and many growers soak them in cool water for a few hours to rehydrate before planting. Do not soak for long, since corms can rot, and plant promptly. Follow the instructions from your seller.

Plant with the pointed side down if you can tell, and a couple of inches deep. If the corms are irregular, either orientation usually works, since shoots find their way up.

Pre-sprouting in damp mix in a cool room for a short time is another approach some growers use. Ask your supplier or extension office whether it suits your region.

• Soak briefly in cool water.
• Plant promptly after soaking.
• Cover with a couple of inches of soil.
• Water lightly at first.

What soil and site do anemones need?

Full sun in cool weather, with light afternoon shade in warm areas, and well-drained soil. Heavy, wet soil rots corms, so build raised beds if needed. A soil test and local recommendations guide any fertilizer, and nutrient management rules vary by state.

Mulch lightly in cold regions to protect new growth, and remove it when the danger of hard freeze has passed.

Space plants as the seller suggests and allow room for air. Crowded plants stay damp and are more prone to disease.

• Raise beds in heavy soil.
• Give plants morning sun.
• Mulch lightly in cold areas.
• Remove mulch after hard freeze danger.

How do you protect early anemone plantings?

Row covers, low tunnels and unheated high tunnels extend the season and protect against hard freeze. Ventilate on sunny days to prevent overheating.

Local flower farms often use such protection. Ask your extension office for what works in your climate.

Remove or vent covers on mild days so plants do not overheat, and replace them before cold nights.

• Use row cover on cold nights.
• Vent tunnels on sunny days.
• Check covers after wind.
• Remove covers when frost danger ends.

How do you harvest anemones?

Cut stems when buds are open but still firm, and place them in clean water right away. Frequent cutting prompts more flowers. Keep stems cool and out of direct sun.

Plants fade in heat, and foliage dies back by early summer in many regions.

Hold stems in cool water in a shaded room before arranging, which helps them drink.

• Cut when buds are open but firm.
• Place stems in clean water at once.
• Keep stems cool.
• Cut often to prompt more flowers.

Can you save anemone corms?

In many regions the corms are tender. Some gardeners dig corms after foliage dies back, dry them and store them in a cool, dry place for the next planting window. In mild areas they may be left in place with good drainage.

Ask your extension office whether saving corms is practical, since many growers buy fresh corms.

• Dig after foliage dies.
• Dry corms in a shaded, airy spot.
• Store cool and dry.
• Check storage monthly.

What problems should you watch for?

Corm rot in wet soil, aphids and fungal leaf problems are the usual issues. Drainage, spacing and airflow reduce them. Ask your extension office to identify problems before treating.

If you consider a pesticide, the label is the law, pre-harvest intervals apply and applicator licensing varies by state. Anemone flowers attract pollinators, so protect them.

• Water at the base.
• Space plants for air movement.
• Remove diseased leaves promptly.
• Ask extension to identify problems.

Last reviewed: November 2026. Educational information, ranges only. Confirm timing with your county extension office.

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