Growing Ranunculus & Anemones (And Why I Love Them So Much)

There’s something about ranunculus and anemones that feels a little special. Maybe it’s the way they thrive in that cool, in-between season when everything else is still waking up. Maybe it’s their petals — layers upon layers in ranunculus, and those bold, velvety centers in anemones.

Whatever it is, they’re worth the extra step or two it takes to grow them well.

Let’s start at the beginning.

First: The Corms

These don’t grow from bulbs — they grow from corms.

• Ranunculus corms are larger and look like tiny octopuses with multiple claws.

• Anemone corms are small and pebble-shaped. Not impressive at first glance, but just wait.

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Both types perform best when they’re soaked and pre-sprouted before planting. They love cool temperatures — ideally 4–13°C (40-55°F) — and absolutely insist on well-draining soil. Cold is fine. Soggy is not.

When to Plant

Timing depends on where you live:

• Zones 7–10: Plant in fall to grow through winter.

• Zones 3–6: Plant in early spring. (Like I do here in Calgary, Alberta)

  
  

These are cool-season flowers. They settle in happily while the air is crisp and will bloom before summer heat tells them it’s time to rest. I typically soak and pre-sprout end of February to the middle of March with the intention to plant out in 4-6 weeks time.

Step 1: Soaking (Waking Them Up)

Soaking rehydrates the corms and signals that it’s time to grow.

Ranunculus

• Soak for 3–4 hours in room temperature water.

• Change the water every hour, or let a gentle drip run into the bowl.

• They should plump up but still feel firm.

  
  

Anemones

• Soak for 4–6 hours in room temperature water.

• Change the water halfway through or let the tap drip slowly.

• They’ll soften slightly — that’s normal.

  
  

Do not soak overnight. It’s tempting, but too much water invites rot and disease.

Step 2: Pre-Sprouting (The Part That Makes a Difference)

If you want stronger plants and earlier blooms, don’t skip this.

Keep trays at 4–13°C (40–55°F) in a cool, dark place.

Here’s how I do it:

1. Fill a tray with barely damp soil — moist, not wet.

2. Nestle the corms in, not touching. Ranunculus go claws down.

3. Lightly cover with soil.

4. Tuck the tray into a cool, dark space.

5. Check every few days.

Sprouts usually appear in 7–14 days. The first time you see those little green tips pushing up, it feels like a quiet victory.

Once sprouted, they’re ready for the garden — or can move under grow lights if the weather isn’t cooperating yet.

Step 3: Planting

Ranunculus

• Plant 2–3 inches deep

• Space 6-9 inches apart

• Claws down, sprouts up

• Keep soil lightly moist

  
  

Anemones

• Plant 1–2 inches deep

• Space 4-6 inches apart (6-9 inches for large varieties)

• Sprout up; if you can’t tell, lay the corm on its side

  
  

Give them good drainage and bright light. They prefer consistent moisture, but never soggy soil.

Aftercare

• Keep soil evenly moist.

• Provide bright light and cool temperatures.

• Protect with frost cloth if needed.

• Expect blooms in 90–120 days.

  
  

When summer heat really sets in, they’ll naturally die back. That’s just their rhythm.

Why I Keep Planting Them

Ranunculus look almost too perfect to be real — tightly layered, almost glowing. Anemones are a little wilder, with silky petals and dramatic centers that catch your eye from across the garden.

They take a bit of preparation in the beginning — soaking, pre-sprouting, paying attention — but they repay that effort in full when spring arrives.

And honestly, there’s something deeply satisfying about growing flowers that look this good while the air is still cool.