What is an Anemone and how do I grow it?
Anemones grow from tubers or corms (sometimes this varies depending on the variety), which remain dormant until it is time to wake them up. Before planting, it can be useful to soak the tubers in lukewarm water for a few hours so they soften and begin to swell, but never longer than five hours as they risk rotting. Once the tubers have absorbed water and settled, it is best to plant them with the “eyes” or top side facing upwards. The planting depth is usually about 5–8 cm. Remember to give them airy space, both in the soil and above it, so that the roots have room to spread.
Once in the ground, the tubers prefer cool soil to begin with and protection from strong sun and heat, and they do not need light straight away. A temperature of around 10–15 °C is optimal until they start growing properly and the anemones begin to emerge, at which point they will need plenty of light. During this period, it is important to keep an eye on the moisture levels – the soil should be evenly moist but never waterlogged.
Location, soil, and the right time
Choose a semi-shaded spot where the soil drains well. Compost or well-rotted organic matter is excellent to mix into the soil before planting, to help it retain moisture and provide nutrients. Anemones do not like heavy, compact soil where water may stagnate and cause rot.
The planting time for anemones varies depending on where you live and which variety you have chosen. In milder climates, they are often planted in the autumn for spring flowering. In colder climates, such as Sweden, it may be better to plant in spring once the soil can be worked and the frost has passed. Watering after planting out is important to support root establishment and future flowering.
Care and flowering
Once the tubers have started growing, they need to be handled carefully. Water regularly so that the soil remains evenly moist but not wet, and avoid water pooling around the roots. Feed lightly once growth has begun to support both foliage and flower buds. When the buds start to appear, you can expect flowering within a few weeks, depending on the variety and temperature.
Anemones prefer milder temperatures during their flowering period and generally do not cope well with extreme heat. Protection from direct afternoon sun can help preserve the buds and prevent colours from fading or blooms from being damaged, especially if they are intended for cutting.
Harvest, vase life, and storing the tubers
When it is time to harvest, do so early in the morning when the buds have started to show colour but are still tight and not fully open. This is when they will last best in a vase. Cut the stems at an angle with a clean knife or secateurs and place them immediately into clean water. With proper care, some varieties can last 10 days or more in a vase. This means changing the water often, keeping the vase clean, and giving the anemones a fresh cut from time to time.
When flowering fades and the leaves start to yellow, allow the plant to draw back its energy. Carefully remove withered parts and let the tubers rest afterwards. In areas with harsh winters, it may be wise to mulch with leaves, bark, or spruce branches to protect the tubers from frost if the variety is hardy enough. Otherwise, it is best to lift the tubers if they do not tolerate winter dampness and frost. Next season, you can replant them under similar conditions as before.
Store the anemone tubers in a cool, dry, and dark place at around 4–10 °C. Too low a temperature (freezing) and too high a temperature (which can trigger premature sprouting) are both problematic. A cellar, an unheated part of a greenhouse, or a pantry may work, as long as it is dry and the temperature remains stable.
Good luck!
Author: Johanna Damm
Fact-checked by: Erik Hoekstra
Last update: 2025-09-16