All About Spring Corms: Anemone & Ranunculus

Fall on the flower farm is like a clean slate. As one season comes to an end we embark on the task of preparing for the season to come. The summer flowers are fading and in their place, I’m planting hardy annuals, bulbs, corms and perennials that will be the very first to bloom in spring. 

This past week I wrapped up planting the hardy annuals and so now I turn my task to my very favorite spring blooms: anemone and ranunculus. 

These were some of the very first flowers I planted back in the fall of 2018 when I discovered and fell in love with growing cut flowers. My very first beds were filled with jewel-toned anemone and a pop of orange ranunculus. (Since I ordered corms late I was limited on my options in year 1!) These flowers became my very first sales and literally launched my cut flower business. You could say they hold a special place in my heart. 

Anemone and ranunculus both start from corms, different from the seeds or bulbs that you’d typically expect for a cut flower. Anemone corms resemble little acorns while ranunculus more like shriveled up octopus. Lovely, right? 

To maximize the growing season here in our zone (6b) fall and late winter planting is an absolute must for both of these flowers. While they're not cold hardy, per se, they also won't tolerate very warm temperatures meaning that we have to hone in on those shoulder months of March and April when there's not much else growing in central Pennsylvania. 

In late September I begin the process of pre-sprouting the corms before planting them into the field early to mid-October. The pre-sprouting process takes 2-3 weeks on average; the corms spend some time in potting mix rehydrating and developing roots and little leaf shoots. When I have a tray full of tiny little leaves, it’s time to plant! I don’t use landscape fabric for these flowers. We simply create trenches in the row and cover the corms with a little soil. 

Once they're in the ground, we'll make sure they're fully covered by caterpillar tunnels to protect the baby plants from the worst of winter conditions and keep the ground around them from freezing. (If the ground does freeze the corms will rot once it thaws.) These tunnels are made using electrical conduit and a small portion of greenhouse plastic and while they’re not heated, they hold surprising amount of heat even on the coldest days of winter. Find our guide for creating DIY low tunnels plus a supply list here.

I'll plant a second round using this same method in late winter, beginning the pre-sprouting process in January for February planting. This extends the harvest window by a few weeks, as long as it doesn’t get too hot too fast. Keep in mind that corms need about 90 days to flower, so plan accordingly based on when you typically see the temps rise above 75 for the spring. 

Once corms are in the ground, it’s a good idea to spend some time thinking about how and where you’re going to sell the flowers. Consider starting a small subscription program, setting up a roadside stand, booking a few pop up events or signing up for an early farmers market. Because they bloom earlier in the spring than many other flowers, you’ll also want to make sure you’ve considered fillers and foliage to accompany these focal flowers in mixed bouquets. I rely on lilac, hellebore, tulip, narcissus, mint and viburnum. 

I've created a grow guide specifically focused on planting anemone and ranunculus corms and it outlines the entire process that I follow to plant, grow and harvest these flowers. You can find the guide here! 

If you’re late to the game (like I was in year one!) check here for remaining corm stock shipping from Hidden Springs. You’ll find the very same varieties that I grow, so you can literally grow along with me! No matter whether you’re planting in fall or very early spring, don’t wait to order corms. They’re usually sold out long before it’s time to plant and because they arrive dormant, it’s easy to store them until you’re ready. 

I hope that you’re inspired to dive into growing these gorgeous flowers and fall in love with them just as I have!