Raising Anemones From Seed
Discover how to easily raise beautiful anemones from seed in your garden. Learn the step-by-step process and expert tips for success.
TL;DR
Anemones can be easily raised by sowing the seed in pans of loam mixed with peat and sand. The pans should be placed in a cold frame or sown in a seed bed. It is recommended to sow the seed in drills and cover with a small amount of sand.
- Seed sowing in pans or seed bed
- Mixing radish seed for large-scale sowing
- Thinning seedlings and replanting corms in March
Anemones of all species may readily be raised by sowing the seed in pans of loam to which is added some peat and some sand. The pans should be placed in a cold frame early in April or the seed may be sown direct to a seed bed made up in the frame. Or, they may be sown under cloches at the same time of the year.
It is better to sow the seed in drills rather than broadcast and as the seeds are covered with fur, they are best mixed with some sand to ensure more even distribution. The seed should be covered with only the smallest amount of sand after sowing.
Professional growers who raise their own seed usually mix a quantity of radish seed when sowing on a large scale in the open early in summer. The early germination of the radish seed enables the rows to be noticed during hoeing operations until the anemone seed germinates. Those planting the small corms in drills will also find a sowing of radish seed useful in determining the rows until the first growth is observed.
When large enough to handle, the seedlings may be thinned and those remaining may be left to flower the following early summer or they may be lifted at the year end, the small pea-size corms dried and replanted in March.
In very exposed areas, this lifting and drying in October and replanting in spring is often done with established corms, though I have never found it necessary nor worth the trouble.
Seed in pans in a frame should be kept moist and shaded from strong sunshine during summer. Seeds of several of the species used for naturalizing may be sown under trees or in any suitable place where they will not be disturbed either when sown or when in bloom. Anemone apennina, A. nemorosa and A. blanda, may all be sown in their natural surroundings.
When sowing in the open, remember to provide some protection from winds, otherwise the fern-like foliage may, in a drying wind, become shrivelled. Those growing anemones for cutting should remove all blooms systematically, whether used for market or not, otherwise they will form seed and soon cease flowering altogether.
Anemones of all species may readily be raised by sowing the seed in pans of loam to which is added some peat and some sand.
More Information on Raising Anemones From Seed
Anemones are beautiful flowers that can be easily grown from seed. To start, sow the seed in pans containing a mixture of loam, peat, and sand. It is recommended to place the pans in a cold frame in early April or directly sow the seed in a seed bed. Another option is to sow the seed under cloches during the same time of the year. When sowing, it is best to use drills rather than broadcasting the seeds. Since the seeds are covered with fur, mixing them with sand ensures a more even distribution. After sowing, cover the seeds with a thin layer of sand. Professional growers often mix radish seed with anemone seed when sowing on a large scale. The early germination of radish seed helps in identifying the rows until the anemone seed germinates. This technique can also be useful when planting small corms in drills, as the radish seed helps determine the rows until the first growth is observed. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them out, leaving the remaining ones to flower the following early summer. Alternatively, the small pea-sized corms can be lifted at the end of the year, dried, and replanted in March. In very exposed areas, established corms can be lifted and dried in October, then replanted in spring. Anemone seeds can be sown under trees or in suitable locations for naturalizing. It is important to provide protection from strong winds when sowing in the open, as the fern-like foliage may become shriveled. If you are growing anemones for cutting, systematically remove all blooms to prevent seed formation and ensure continuous flowering. Raising anemones from seed is a rewarding process that allows you to enjoy these beautiful flowers in your garden. With proper care and attention, you can witness the growth and bloom of these stunning plants.
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About the author
Rupert Foxton-Smythe is a seasoned horticulturist and avid plant enthusiast with over three decades of experience in the field of botany. As a leading expert at Houseplant Guru, Rupert brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for all things green.
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