As a flower farmer, you know that the sooner spring sales begin, the happier you’ll be. But early in the season, so much of your attention turns to start-up costs, seed purchases and the heating of indoor seedlings.
This is when anemones can step in and play a winning role for your flower farm by providing a crop of early blooms. These delightful cuties provide desirable color when gardens and fields are sleeping and it’s too cold for outdoor seeding.
I know that right now you’re focused on your early flower-farming duties. Still, I encourage you to consider growing anemones this coming fall so you can sell these early bloomers next year.
The ideal time for planting anemones depends on your gardening zone, but generally speaking, it’s from the first of October to mid November.
Before you plant, pre-soak anemone corms (a.k.a. bulbs) in room-temperature water. Leave a slight stream of water running in the tub as you soak the corms. This will provide them with extra oxygen. In four or more hours, the corms will plump up and double in size.
After soaking, you can either pre-sprout your anemones or plant them directly into the ground. Your choice will depend on your gardening zone or the time of year you want to plant.
More often than not, I pre-sprout anemones. The photo below shows pre-sprouting corms. I had pre-soaked the corms and then planted them in a flat. Now that they’ve sprouted, they’re ready for planting.
Sometimes I plant pre-sprouted anemones in a large trough inside my high tunnel as shown below, rather than in the ground outside. Anemones are tough plants as well as beautiful, but when temps dip to the low 20s and below, I cover them with a protective cloth to help keep them safe from inclement weather.
Anemones such as Blue Eyes Double-Flowered Wood Anemone (shown below) are truly a sight to see when the cold winter has settled in. When planted in a temperature-controlled environment like a greenhouse, they will provide a crop of sensational blooms well into March and April, if not longer, depending on your gardening zone. When planted in the ground, anemones typically bloom in mid spring to early summer, depending on the variety.
I hope these tips will encourage you to grow and offer these lovely flowers. Once you learn how they best grow in your gardening zone, you’ll be off and running and enjoying an early season win each year.
Remember: Anemones and other flowers are not available for purchase year-round. Availability varies depending on the month and season, and the most sought-after varieties sell out quickly. So, keep an eye on what your suppliers are offering and be prepared to place your orders early.
K. van Bourgondien offers a phenomenal supply of flowers. Consider making them your go-to supplier. Take a look at their spring and fall lines. I’m sure you’ll find they have the plants you need for a successful flower farm business.
May this coming season bring an abundance of blooms to your garden!
Happy Gardening!
—Pamela Anthony
Beehind Thyme Farm & Garden