When to Plant Anemones: Fall or Late Winter by Zone, Soaking and Depth

The poppy anemone is a Mediterranean member of the buttercup family that grows from a small, hard corm and flowers in spring in colors from white and pink to red, blue and burgundy (UC Master Gardeners). It grows up to about 18 inches tall and dies down after flowering (NC State). Two common strains are the single De Caen anemones, bred in France, and the semi-double St. Brigid anemones, bred in Holland (NC State). They are popular cut flowers: UC Master Gardeners say they last over a week in a vase.

When to plant anemones by zone

Poppy anemones are only reliably hardy in mild-winter areas, so the planting season flips between fall and late winter:

Fedco Seeds says that once temperatures climb above about 70°F, plants stop making new buds and head into summer dormancy, so in every zone the aim is to get them flowering during the cool part of spring. To see your frost dates, use our planting calendar.

Soaking and pre-sprouting

• Soak: the dry corms look like small, shriveled rocks (UC Master Gardeners). Fedco Seeds soaks them for 3 to 4 hours in cool water; UC Master Gardeners say most people recommend 3 to 4 hours in lukewarm water but no longer, and that the author often skips soaking with no problem in a mild climate.
• Pre-sprout (optional): Fedco Seeds sets soaked corms in a tray of slightly moist (not wet) potting soil, covers them with a scant inch of soil and keeps them cool and dark (40 to 50°F) for a few weeks until white roots appear. UC Master Gardeners say pre-sprouting gives earlier blooms but isn't essential in a mild climate.
• Which way up: UC Master Gardeners say there is no right side up; anemones will grow whichever way they are planted.

How deep and far apart to plant anemones

Drainage matters most: NC State says root rot can occur in soil that stays too wet, and the plants are prone to fungal disease in humid or wet conditions. In heavy soil, a raised bed or containers are an easy fix (GardenPal suggestion); see raised bed garden layout.

Frost and heat

Fedco Seeds recommends covering plants with floating row cover when temperatures drop near freezing, and shade cloth to stretch the bloom once temperatures pass 70°F. In zone 7 and warmer, Fedco Seeds says plants can come back in good conditions, though some growers dig the corms after summer dormancy and replant in fall. In colder areas, NC State says to treat them as annuals or lift and store the tubers. UC Master Gardeners say anemones may rebloom the next year, but the author plants new corms each fall to be sure of flowers.

Cutting anemones for the vase

Fedco Seeds says to cut anemones as soon as the blooms open. UC Master Gardeners suggest cutting in the morning when plants are well hydrated, note that early flowers have shorter stems than later ones, and say not to pick too early or the buds may not open. Leave the foliage after flowering so the plant can store energy (UC Master Gardeners). For another cool-season cut flower planted in the same window, see when to plant ranunculus and when to plant sweet peas.

Animals, pests and pets

NC State tags poppy anemones as deer and rabbit resistant, and lists cutworms and moth larvae as foliage pests. It also lists the plant as poisonous (medium severity): all parts contain protoanemonin, which can irritate skin (contact dermatitis) and should not be eaten. Wear gloves when handling corms if you have sensitive skin, keep corms away from children and pets, and ask a doctor or veterinarian if anyone eats part of the plant.

Anemones around the vegetable garden

Poppy anemones fit the front of a border, containers and a cutting garden, and NC State lists them for pollinator and cottage gardens. A row at the end of a vegetable bed is a simple way to grow cut flowers alongside fall and spring crops (GardenPal suggestion); see what to plant in fall and flowers that attract beneficial insects. Other bulbs planted in fall include tulips and daffodils.

Frequently asked questions

When should I plant anemone bulbs?

In zones 7 to 10, plant poppy anemone corms in fall (Fedco Seeds, NC State). In zones 4 to 6, start them indoors in late winter and plant out in spring (Fedco Seeds).

Should I soak anemone corms before planting?

Most growers do: Fedco Seeds soaks them 3 to 4 hours in cool water. UC Master Gardeners say not to soak longer than that, and that soaking can be skipped in a mild climate.

Which way up do you plant anemone corms?

UC Master Gardeners say there is no right side up; anemones grow whichever way the corm is planted.

How deep do you plant anemones?

About 2 inches, 4 to 6 inches apart (NC State, Fedco Seeds).

Do anemones come back every year?

In zone 7 and warmer they can return in good conditions (Fedco Seeds). In colder areas NC State says to grow them as annuals or lift and store the corms.

Are anemones poisonous to pets?

NC State lists poppy anemone as poisonous (medium severity) and a skin irritant. Keep corms and plants away from pets, and call a veterinarian if one eats any.