All About Ranunculus: How To Plant, Grow And Care For Ranunculus

With their lush, layered petals and vibrant colors, ranunculus flowers bring striking shades to any garden or floral arrangement. These stunning blooms thrive in cool seasons, rewarding gardeners with abundant flowers when planted and cared for properly. Whether you’re growing them from corms in the fall or spring, ranunculus flourish with well-draining soil, plenty of sunlight, and regular watering. Learning how to grow ranunculus is easy. With the right care, these delicate, partially hardy flowers will provide a breathtaking display, perfect for cutting and enjoying indoors as well.

When to Plant Ranunculus

Ranunculus can be planted at different times of the year depending on your climate, allowing for flexibility in growing these beautiful flowers. Ranunculus corms will be in a dry, dormant state when you receive them. If you are not able to plant them right away, they can be stored in a cool, dry spot for a few months until you are ready. In warmer regions (Zones 8-10), ranunculus is best planted in the fall, allowing the corms to establish roots over winter and bloom in early spring. In colder climates (Zones 3-7), where freezing temperatures can damage the corms, they should be planted in early spring after the danger of frost has passed. Alternatively, gardeners in cold regions can start ranunculus indoors in late winter, pre-sprouting the corms in trays before transplanting them outdoors. This staggered planting approach makes it possible to enjoy ranunculus blooms from late winter to early summer, depending on when they are planted.

Preparing Ranunculus Corms for Planting

Preparing ranunculus corms before planting is essential for strong growth and abundant blooms. Start by soaking the corms in room temperature water for 3 to 4 hours to help them rehydrate and plump up. This process wakes them from dormancy and encourages faster sprouting. For an even better start, pre-sprout the soaked corms by placing them in a tray with damp peat moss or soil in a cool, dark location (40-50°F) for about one to two weeks. They should be kept moist but not wet. During this time, small rootlets will begin to form, giving the plants a head start once they are planted in the garden. Proper preparation ensures that your ranunculus corms establish quickly, leading to healthier plants and a longer flowering season.

Planting Ranunculus

After soaking the corms to rehydrate them, choose a sunny location with well-draining soil, as ranunculus thrives in bright light and loose, fertile ground. Plant the corms about two inches deep with their claw-like roots facing downward, spacing them four to six inches apart to allow for proper airflow and growth. Water lightly after planting to help them settle in, then keep the soil slightly moist as they begin to sprout. Keep in mind, ranunculus corms are sensitive to rotting from too much water so keep an eye on the moisture levels. In warmer climates, ranunculus can be planted in the fall for early spring blooms, while in colder regions, they should be planted in early spring or started indoors to get a head start on the growing season. With proper planting and care, these delicate flowers will reward you with an abundance of vibrant, densely packed blooms perfect for cutting.

Note: Planting ranunculus in containers is a great way to enjoy the beauty of these blooms if you are limited in garden space. Pick a container that has adequate drainage and fill with well-draining soil. Find a spot for your container that receives at least 6 hours of full sun per day.

Caring for Ranunculus

Proper ranunculus care after planting ensures healthy plants and an abundance of blooms. Once the corms sprout, water them consistently, keeping the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged to prevent rot. Ranunculus thrives in full sun and benefits from nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. As they begin to bloom, regularly deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous flowering. Ranunculus flowers thrive in cool weather. Once temperatures reach more than 20 degrees Celsius, they will begin to go dormant. After the foliage dies back, you can lift and store the corms in a cool, dry place for replanting next season. Any presence of moisture could cause the bulbs to rot, so make sure that they’ve had a chance to fully dry out before storage. With proper care, ranunculus will reward you with weeks of stunning, long-lasting blooms.

Cutting Ranunculus Blooms

Cutting ranunculus at the right stage ensures long-lasting, beautiful blooms indoors. You can expect to see blooms 2 to 3 months after planting in the spring. Ranunculus flowers usually last between 4 and 6 weeks. For the best vase life, harvest the flowers when the buds are fully colored and just beginning to open, feeling soft like a marshmallow when gently squeezed. Use sharp, clean scissors or pruners to cut the stem at the base of the plant. Immediately place the cut stems in fresh, cool water and remove any foliage that would sit below the waterline to prevent bacterial growth. Ranunculus flowers can last up to 10 days or more in a vase if the water is changed regularly and the stems are trimmed every few days. With proper cutting and care, you can enjoy the delicate, ruffled beauty of ranunculus indoors for over a week.

Tip: Cut flowers early in the morning when the flowers are most hydrated as this reduces stress on the plants and provides for a longer vase life.

Where you plan to fill your garden with these jewel-like beauties or make them the star of your next floral arrangement, ranunculus are a spring garden must have. Easy to grow with the right information, you can feel confident in your ability to grow ranunculus flowers successfully.

Put your newly acquire skills to use and purchase ranunculus corms from your nearest garden center today! Contact support@florissa.com to find a source of these beauties near you.