How to Grow Anemone
Anemone coronaria
Anemones (de Caen and St Brigid) are half-hardy corm-grown flowers that thrive in cool conditions and well-drained soil. Soak corms overnight before planting 5 cm deep. In mild areas plant in autumn for spring flowers; in cold areas plant in early spring. They need no transplanting — corms go straight to their final position. Deadhead regularly for a long succession of blooms, and cut stems when buds are just showing colour for the best vase life. After foliage dies back, lift and dry corms for storage and replanting next season.
When to Start
Plant directly outdoors once soil temperature reaches 5°C. No seed starting needed — grow from bulbs, tubers, or sets.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Apply a balanced liquid feed every two weeks once shoots emerge. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds that promote leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
- De Caen types produce single poppy-like flowers; St Brigid types have semi-double or double blooms. Both are superb cut flowers. Succession planting every 3–4 weeks extends the season considerably.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 5°C+
- Germination temperature
- 12–18°C
- Direct sow
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 15 cm |
| Row spacing | 25 cm |
| Sow depth | 1 cm |
| Mature height | 80 cm |
| Mature spread | 45 cm |
Plant corms 5 cm deep with the flattened side down. Soak overnight before planting. Closer spacing gives a lush cut-flower effect; wider spacing improves airflow and reduces disease.
Pests & Diseases
Pest Aphids
Identification: Clusters of small soft-bodied insects on shoot tips and flower buds, causing distorted growth and sticky honeydew
- Blast off with a strong jet of water
- Spray with fatty acid-based insecticide
- Encourage ladybirds, lacewings and hoverflies
- Spray with a contact insecticide containing deltamethrin or lambda-cyhalothrin
Pest Slugs and Snails
Identification: Irregular holes in young leaves and slime trails around plants, worst in wet weather
- Use beer traps or copper tape barriers
- Apply organic slug pellets (ferric phosphate)
- Encourage natural predators such as hedgehogs and ground beetles
- Ferric phosphate-based pellets
Pest Caterpillars
Identification: Irregular holes or ragged edges on leaves, caterpillars visible on or under foliage
- Pick off by hand
- Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) biological spray
- Spray with a contact insecticide if infestation is severe
Disease Grey Mould (Botrytis)
Symptoms: Grey fuzzy mould on stems, leaves, and flowers, causing collapse of affected tissue
Treatment: Remove and destroy affected parts immediately. Improve air circulation. Apply a fungicide containing tebuconazole if severe
Prevention: Space plants well, avoid overhead watering, remove dead plant material promptly
Disease Powdery Mildew
Symptoms: White powdery coating on leaves and stems, causing yellowing and reduced vigour
Treatment: Remove badly affected leaves. Spray with a fungicide if severe
Prevention: Space plants well for good airflow, avoid water stress, and water at the base
Disease Corm Rot
Symptoms: Corms become soft, discoloured, and fail to produce shoots; plants collapse at the base
Treatment: Remove and destroy affected corms. Do not replant in the same spot
Prevention: Ensure excellent drainage before planting. Never plant in waterlogged soil. Soak corms in a fungicide solution before planting if rot has been a problem
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 5°C |
| Germination temperature | 12–18°C |
| Base growth temperature | 5°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 9h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Anemone?
- Plant Anemone 15cm apart with 25cm between rows.
- When does Anemone flower?
- Anemone typically flowers approximately 90 days after transplanting.
- Is Anemone frost hardy?
- Anemone is classified as Half Hardy.
