Spring anemones are like a splash of fresh paint for your garden beds early in the year, and almost all of them start their journey as bulbs. Well, to be more precise, they look more like funky little tubers. To make sure these shriveled-looking brown nuggets transform into show-stopping blooms, you’ll want to know exactly what makes them happy.
Planting Time and Location
You’ll usually see these dark, irregularly shaped little tubers popping up in garden centers in the spring. That’s your cue that it’s planting time, mainly because most spring anemones aren’t fans of a hard freeze. However, if you’ve snagged one of the few hardy varieties, those can actually go into the ground in the fall.
Windflowers (as they’re often called) absolutely love the sun. They’ll tolerate partial shade, but only if they’re still getting plenty of bright light. A spot that’s protected from the wind and doesn’t get too scorching hot is the “sweet spot.” They need loose soil that drains well—nobody likes soggy feet! Also, avoid planting them under evergreens; falling needles make the soil too acidic, and anemones prefer a more neutral pH.
How to Plant the Bulbs Correctly
If you’re looking at a Poppy Anemone (Anemone coronaria) or another spring variety and wondering which end is “up,” don’t sweat it! It truly doesn’t matter which way you drop them into the hole; the sprouts will always find their way toward the light. Just keep these tips in mind:
- Plant between late March and early April.
- Wait until the soil has warmed up a bit.
- Mix some compost into the soil (and maybe a pinch of lime if your soil is acidic).
- Pro Tip: Soak the tubers in lukewarm water for 24 hours before planting to “wake them up.”
- Plant them twice as deep as the bulb is tall.
- Space them about 4 inches apart.
- Firm the soil down gently and give them a light watering.
Quick Tip:
If you want to jumpstart the blooming season, you can start the tubers indoors in February. Once the worst of the frost has passed, harden them off gradually before moving them outside. If you’re looking for flowers in the fall instead, you’ll want to look for a perennial variety like Japanese Anemones.
Caring for Your Windflowers
If you started with rich, compost-heavy soil, your spring anemones won’t need any extra fertilizer. Your main job is to make sure they don’t get waterlogged. Just grab the watering can occasionally to keep the soil from drying out completely. While you’re admiring those vibrant colors, keep an eye out for hungry caterpillars—they love to turn that pretty foliage into Swiss cheese!
Quick Tip:
Anemones come in a rainbow of brilliant shades and make fantastic cut flowers for your home. Just a heads-up: wear gloves when cutting them! The sap is toxic and can irritate your skin.
Overwintering Bulbs Indoors
Since most spring anemones aren’t winter-hardy, you’ll want to dig them up in the fall. Let the tubers dry out completely, then store them in a cool, dry, and dark place to overwinter until next year.
Propagating with “Baby” Bulbs
While you can grow spring anemones from seeds, it’s much easier to use the little “daughter” tubers that form on the roots. Simply separate them and plant them on their own to expand your garden collection!
