Anemone Cut Flower Production in Utah Shannon Rauter and Melanie Stock Anemone (Anemone coronaria) is grown as a coolseason annual for cut flower production in Utah. Tubers can be planted as early as November in a high tunnel for blooms beginning in March. For field production, plant in fall with insulation or as early as possible in spring (i.e., the soil is workable, approximately early March) for blooms beginning in May. Flower production ceases when temperatures reach approximately 80°F, usually by early July in northern Utah. In North Logan, UT, high tunnels produced an average of 2 to 7 marketable stems per plant, compared to 1 to 4 stems per plant when field grown. Anemone is popular with florists for use in spring arrangements. Its wholesale profit potential is moderately high compared to other Utahgrown cut flowers.
salt compost into the soil before planting increases organic matter and fertility, with minimal pH or salinity risk. See USU’s Compost and Manure Guidelines for options. A soil test is recommended in new planting areas or where soil testing has not occurred in two years. USU’s analytical laboratory performs soil tests with pricing available on their website and instructions for sampling here. Rake the tilled soil smooth and form beds that are 3 to 4 feet wide. Wider beds make it difficult to reach the center rows. Install drip irrigation and landscape fabric, if desired, before planting.
Tuber Preparation
Order tubers (also often called corms) in spring to summer for fall delivery. Purchase the largest tuber size available (typically 5-6 cm) as size is directly linked to yield. If not immediately planting, store the tubers in cool (35-50°F), dry conditions to reduce the risk of rot.
Site Preparation
For anemone (Figure 1) grown in high tunnels, planning and preparation begin the previous fall by installing the plastic high tunnel covering before heavy rain or snowfall. This ensures the soil will have the right moisture content for workability early the following spring and decreases the risk of disease. Soil testing is highly recommended and careful use of soil amendments (i.e., fertilizer, compost, manure) is necessary because anemone is sensitive to soil salinity, with stress occurring by 2.5 dS per m. Till the soil to incorporate fertilizer or compost based on routine soil test recommendations. Incorporating one inch of low-
Figure 1. Range of anemone bloom colors.
Soaking and Pre-sprouting
Before planting, tubers benefit from soaking in room temperature water (60-77°F) for 3 hours. Leave the water running slightly while soaking to provide aeration. Drain the tubers and then soak for an additional hour in a commercial fungicide, such as a solution of 0.3%
Utah State University Extension | April 2023 | Peer-Reviewed Fact Sheet | CutFlower/01
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