Anemone corms are the small, irregular, tuberous roots that produce the delicate, cup-shaped flowers often called windflowers. Unlike the perfectly formed, pointed bulbs of tulips or daffodils, anemone corms arrive looking shriveled and dry, resembling small, dark, lumpy pebbles. This unusual shape is why planting orientation is a source of confusion for many gardeners. Understanding the proper steps ensures these corms will successfully awaken and produce their vibrant blooms.
Pre-Planting Preparation
The first step to successful planting is rehydrating the corms, which are intentionally dried out to keep them dormant during storage and transport. Soaking the corms in room-temperature water is necessary to initiate the growth process. This rehydration softens the hard outer layer, allowing the corm to absorb moisture and swell. The corms should be soaked for about three to four hours; do not leave them in the water much longer, as this can lead to rot and fungal issues. After the soaking period, the corms should appear noticeably plumper, indicating they are now ready for planting.
Determining the Correct Orientation
After the corms have plumped up, the next step is to correctly identify the top and bottom for planting. The ideal orientation is to plant the corm with the flatter or slightly concave side facing up, as this is typically where the new sprouts will emerge. Conversely, the rounded or more pointed side should be placed facing down into the soil. Following this orientation encourages the most direct and efficient upward growth of the stem and leaves.
The most common difficulty arises when the corm is so irregular or misshapen that it is impossible to distinguish a clear top or bottom. In this scenario, the best course of action is to plant the corm on its side or edge. The plant’s natural phototropism ensures the shoots will orient themselves correctly and grow upward toward the soil surface.
Physical Planting and Placement
Once the correct orientation is determined, the corms should be planted immediately into a prepared bed to prevent them from drying out again. A planting depth of approximately two inches is generally recommended for anemone corms. Spacing the corms about four to six inches apart allows enough room for the mature plants to develop without overcrowding, which helps ensure good air circulation.
Anemones thrive in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter, which can be improved by mixing in compost before planting. The planting location should receive full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, or a partially shaded position. Proper drainage is important because the corms are susceptible to rot if they sit in cold, waterlogged soil.
Ongoing Care and Bloom Expectations
After the corms are placed in the ground, a thorough initial watering is necessary to settle the soil around them and finalize the rehydration process. Throughout the growing season, maintaining consistent moisture is necessary, meaning the soil should be kept evenly moist but never saturated. Watering about once a week is a good guideline, especially during dry spells, allowing the top layer of soil to dry slightly between applications.
Anemones benefit from fertile soil and may appreciate a balanced, slow-release fertilizer application in the early spring to support lush growth. Most anemone varieties flower approximately 90 to 110 days after planting, typically resulting in an early to mid-spring display for fall-planted corms. To encourage the production of additional flowers, spent blooms should be removed, a practice known as deadheading. In colder climates, the corms are often treated as annuals or lifted and stored for the winter.