Ranunculus and Anemones

Ranunculus and Anemones are early spring blooms that need cool soil as they begin to sprout, but are often more successful under greenhouse cover because they like warmer conditions and consistent daylight to promote blooming.

The process for growing these specialty flowers often starts in February before any other plants. Corms are soaked and bubbled in sinks for four hours, then planted in trays under seed propagation grow lights. Once sprouted, they are able to be planted in ground in greenhouse spaces where they will be able to withstand temperature fluctuations better.

This year, we planted over 1700 ranunculus and anemone corms in our High Tunnel and Canadian Hoop House. This is approximately 1000 more than we grew last year, as these will be the focal plants of our Spring Shower of Flowers CSA share. Expect romantic blooms in all shapes, sizes, and colors - some frilly and multi-layered, variegated petals, others minimalist blooms with deeply colored monochromatic petals. These blooms should be available for custom bouquets/arrangements as early as mid-April through the end of June.

A variety we are particularly excited about is Anemone “Levante Rosa” - a beautiful, pink bloom of which we have planted over 400 corms! Folks who have seen these on the farm compare them to whimsical Dr. Seuss Truffula Trees or vibrant barbie-pink gumdrops. The blooms change in shape and size depending on the conditions they are in. At cooler temperatures they appear more closed and shaped like a tulip; in warmer weather they open right up and seem like a cross between a rose and zinnia. After they have been a vase for about a week, they seem to lighten in color and poof out revealing layers upon layers of delicate petals. A truly magical flower!