Plant Care Instructions - Anemone Corms

This page will provide you with a thorough understanding of best practices in growing anemone corms. From planting them and caring for the plants, to troubleshooting solutions, we aim to equip you with everything you’ll need to grow them successfully!

If you’ve landed here by scanning our QR code following a purchase, welcome! This is a supplemental resource we have personally created to support your customer experience with our plants & bulbs. We place your satisfaction and overall encounter with our brand at the very top of our business, and it guides every process we execute along the way. Should you have any questions outside of what’s covered below, drop us a note and we’ll gladly provide additional guidance. 

Anemone de Caen Flowers - mix of magenta, purples, denim blues and white flowers. Grown from anemone corms.

Guide for Planting Anemone Corms

Unlike tulips or daffodils, anemones grow from small corms, which look a bit like dried nuts. Proper planting is key to waking them up and encouraging strong growth:

  1. Pre-soak corms: Before planting, soak corms in room-temperature water for 4–6 hours. This helps them plump up and start the growing process.

  2. Choose the spot: Anemones grow best in full sun with well-draining soil.

  3. Timing: Plant corms in fall for spring blooms (in mild climates), or in early spring once frost danger passes (in colder regions).

  4. Depth & spacing: Plant corms about 2 inches deep and 3–4 inches apart. Place them flat or slightly pointy side up — they’ll find their way regardless.

  5. Watering in: After planting, water well to settle soil and encourage root growth.

Troubleshooting Anemone Corms

Because corms can be a little trickier than bulbs, here are the most common problems and fixes:

  • Problem: Corms didn’t sprout
    Possible causes: Not pre-soaked, planted too deep, soil too cold/wet.
    Solution: Always soak before planting, plant at the right depth, and ensure soil drains well.

  • Problem: Leaves grew but no flowers
    Possible causes: Too much shade, immature corms, or insufficient nutrients.
    Solution: Plant in full sun, fertilize lightly, and be patient — some corms take a season to establish.

  • Problem: Flowers are small or weak
    Possible causes: Poor soil or corms planted too close.
    Solution: Enrich soil with compost and space corms properly.

  • Problem: Plants collapsed or rotted
    Possible causes: Overwatering or heavy, clay soil.
    Solution: Improve drainage by mixing in sand or grit. Water only when soil feels dry on top.

  • Problem: Foliage looks untidy after blooming
    Possible causes: Cutting back too early.
    Solution: Let leaves die down naturally so the corms recharge for next year.

Ongoing Care After Planting​

Once planted, anemones are low-maintenance but do best with a little care:

  • Watering: Keep soil lightly moist during active growth. Avoid waterlogging, which causes corm rot.

  • Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer or compost once plants start growing.

  • Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to encourage more flowers.

  • Foliage care: Let leaves remain until they yellow naturally. This ensures corms store enough energy for the next season.

  • After flowering: In colder climates, lift corms once foliage dies back, dry them, and store in a cool, dry place. In mild zones, corms can often stay in the ground year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I have to soak anemone corms before planting?
A: Yes. Pre-soaking for several hours helps them rehydrate and start growing faster.

Q: Will anemones come back every year?
A: In mild climates, yes, they can naturalize. In colder zones, they’re often treated as annuals unless lifted and stored for replanting.

Q: Can I grow anemones in pots?
A: Definitely. Use a deep container with well-draining soil. Keep soil moist but never soggy.

Q: How long do anemones bloom?
A: Typically 6–8 weeks, depending on climate and care. Deadheading can extend flowering.