Anemone Planting Guide

Arrival of Bulbs

Our Anemone bulbs are stored and shipped dry in a vegetative stage. If bulbs are not planted immediately, store them in a cool and well-ventilated area.

Keep the corms dry.
Do not expose to humidity.

Pre-Plant Soaking & Pre-Sprouting

Soak bulbs for 10–12 hours prior to planting in water at a maximum temperature of 12°C. It is recommended, although not essential, to keep the water moving, using slow running water or regularly changing the water, to maintain oxygen levels. A simple water tank or small container would be adequate.
When sufficiently soaked your bulbs should expand by 3 to 4 times their original size.

Planting

Anemones can be grown in greenhouses, tunnels, under shade or outside. This mainly depends on the climate and season.
Plant bulbs in raised beds in a well-drained soil. For pot, container or raised platform cultivation, use a free draining sterilised medium, low in EC with a pH of 6-6.5.
Cover bulbs with 2–3 cm of soil.
Light intensity and good air flow is very important. Additional shade is recommended during the first 4 weeks after planting to keep the soil cool until the foliage creates its own canopy.
Optimum results can be achieved if the night temperatures are cool at 5–10°C and day temperatures do not exceed 15–18°C initially.
A light frost or warmer days does not hurt the plants as long as the root system remains at around +8°C. Provide additional ventilation if needed to control temperature and humidity.
We advise a planting density of:
Size 3/4: 20-24 bulbs/m2
Size 4/5: 16-20 bulbs/m2
Size 5/7: 14-18 bulbs/m2

Additional tips

For optimum results and even light distribution, support wire is recommended. Tall, straight stems are obtained when wire is used.
When harvesting, cut flowers early in the morning (coolest part of the day) with a sterilized knife.
Note – when temperatures rise to 24°C+, productivity will go down.

Grower FAQs

Extreme wet conditions and low light levels can make your plants more vulnerable for infection. The best way to keep Botrytis at bay is good air ventilation. Open tunnels as much as you can and introduce fans to keep the air moving. Drip irrigation as opposed to overhead is also recommended. Repeated applications of fungicide sprays will also help if possible to use.

Anemones can suffer from flat stems if the soil contains too much Nitrogen. Ensure fertilisers applied which contain Nitrogen are used correctly, according to the plants needs. Avoid over-application of Nitrogen fertilisers, in particular quick-release forms which can be the cause of excessive Nitrogen levels in the soil. Follow recommended application rates based on soil test results and plant requirements. Consider using slow-release Nitrogen fertilisers which release nutrients gradually over time. Slow-release fertilisers provide a more sustained and controlled supply of Nitrogen to plants, reducing the risk of Nitrogen damage.

Overwatering can can cause root-rot and damage to foliage as oxygen flow to the roots is reduced. Ensure plant roots have good airflow and soil is free-draining to reduce the risk of overwatering. Typical signs of overwatering include severe lower leaf yellowing and leaf loss.

Anemones are affected by split stems when phosphorus levels in the soil are too high. Excessive phosphorus levels can lead to nutrient imbalances and potential harm to your plants. Regularly test soil nutrient levels and avoid the over-application of fertilisers.