There are several species of Anemone that offer different colors, different heights, different bloom times, and different hardiness levels. But all Anemone have a basal clump of leaves with stems growing upright to support delicate flowers.  A common name is windflower because the poppy-like blooms sway and dance in the slightest breeze.  Typically, Anemone are planted from corms or bare-roots, but for the gardening hobbyist, growing these lovely perennials from seed can be a very rewarding challenge.

Anemone seeds can be started and grown indoors at any time. When grown from seed, the plants can take 2 - 3 years to produce blooms. The seed does required a cold treatment for germination.

Anemone plants can be located in full sun to partial shade. They prefer relatively moist soil that drains well. A compost amendment worked into the soil at the time of transplanting is helpful.

• Mix the seeds into some damp soil and place this in the refrigerator for 4 weeks
• After the cold period, sow the seeds into pots filled with damp soil
• Cover the seeds lightly with soil
• Place the pots in a warm location with bright indirect light for germination and growing
• Once the plants have developed true leaves, place them in full sun for continued growing
• When temperatures are warm outdoors, harden off the seedlings for 7 - 10 days prior to transplanting out
• Amend the soil with compost at the time of transplanting
• Space the seedlings according to the species that is being grown
• Another method of seed propogation would be to winter sow the seeds in a cold frame - allow the seedlings to mature in the cold frame prior to lifting and transplanting

• Anemone prefer moist conditions so monitor the soil to make sure it does not dry out too much
• Trim the plant back in the fall and put a light layer of mulch over the top to help over-winter
• If grown in a pot, place the pot in a cold green house or out-building for wintering
• If the Anemone has rizomatous roots, divide the plant every 3 years or so
• Depending on the species, some Anemone flowers need to have stakes or other support