How To Grow Anemone Flowers From Seed
Most commonly anemones are grown from a corm, but can in fact be grown for seed as well. Although the process can be slower and you may or may not get flowers in the first year it is very rewarding. Growing from seed also means you can source some harder to get premium Italian cut flower varieties such as the Mistral series bred by Biancheri Creations in Italy.
Sowing + Germination Tips
Cold stratification can help speed up germination. Pop the seeds in the fridge for 2 - 4 weeks prior to sowing.
Sow the seeds in late summer & early autumn.
Press the seeds lightly into the soil and cover with vermiculite or very lightly with soil to hold the seeds in place.
Anemone seeds must be raised as seedlings in a greenhouse like environment over direct sowing.
Keep the soil moist until germination - a spray mister will help with this (do not let the soil dry out).
The seed will germinate anywhere between 14-40 days @ 16°C, the germination process may be slow, do not discard the seeds too early!
Planting Tips
Transfer the seedling into the garden once it has two sets of true leaves, the anemone seedlings will take longer to get going, this might be around 12 weeks of growth, making sure you harden off the seedlings to prevent any transplant shock.
They will prefer a full sun to part shade position in the garden.
Space each seedling 10 - 20cm apart.
The plants will grow to around 40cm and should not need support, but make sure they are planted in an area that is protected from the wind.
Harvesting Tips
Anemone will take around 210 days from seed to bloom - IF flowering in the first year. They will continue to produce more flowers in the second year.
Harvest the flowers in the morning or evening just when the flower starts to open.
Other Information
Once the foliage has died back at the end of spring, the plant will have produced a corm that can be lifted, stored over summer and replanted in autumn.
