When discussing Anemones as cut flowers, the focus is generally on the species Anemone coronaria, commonly known as the Poppy Anemone or windflower. In gardening, a “cut and come again” flower produces a new flush of harvestable blooms shortly after the existing ones have been removed. This ability to rebloom rapidly is a highly desired trait for continuous harvest. Understanding whether Anemones fit this definition requires a look at their unique corm-based growth cycle and flowering response.
The Harvest Response of Anemones
Anemones, particularly Anemone coronaria varieties like ‘De Caen’ and ‘St. Brigid’, are not true “cut and come again” flowers, as a fresh bloom does not arise from the same stem node. Instead, they are highly productive seasonal bloomers that produce successive flowers from their underground corm over an extended period, typically late autumn through spring in mild climates. The plant’s response to harvesting, however, mimics the effect of a cut-and-come-again flower within its bloom window.
The act of regularly cutting the flower stem near the base signals the corm to redirect energy and continue producing new stems. This removal prevents the plant from setting seed, which signals the end of the flowering cycle and the start of dormancy. By interrupting this process, growers maximize the total number of blooms produced per plant. Under ideal conditions and consistent harvesting, a single corm can push out up to 20 harvestable stems throughout its cool-season production cycle, behaving like a continuous producer until high temperatures induce summer dormancy.
Proper Cutting Techniques for Maximum Plant Health
The method used for cutting Anemones is crucial, whether harvesting for a vase or deadheading spent blooms. To maximize the length of a cut stem for floral arrangements, the stem should be severed as close to the basal foliage or soil line as possible. This technique ensures the longest possible stem length, which naturally increases as the season progresses. The timing of the cut is also important for vase life.
Anemones should be harvested when the flower bud is just beginning to open, or when it is approximately 50% open. The ideal time to cut is when about a quarter-inch of stem has developed between the small, leafy collar and the base of the flower. If the flower is cut too early, it may fail to open in the vase; if cut too late, the vase life will be significantly shortened. Deadheading spent flowers involves removing the fading bloom at the base to redirect the plant’s energy toward new growth.
Maximizing Bloom Output Through Cultural Care
Cultural care is fundamental to maximizing the season’s bloom output, as the maximum yield is tied to the corm’s overall health. Anemones thrive in well-drained soil rich in organic matter, ideally with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Heavy, clay-like, or waterlogged soils are detrimental, as they quickly lead to corm rot and plant failure. Good drainage is non-negotiable for long-term health and productivity.
During the active growing period, the corms require consistent moisture, but the soil should never become soggy. Overwatering is a common error in Anemone cultivation, especially in warmer or humid conditions. To support high production, plants benefit from regular, light fertilization once the flowering season begins. Applying a balanced liquid fertilizer, such as a calcium nitrate-based solution, every ten days promotes continuous, healthy stem growth.