This romantic spring bloomer makes beautiful cut arrangements.
Southern Living/Evgeniya Vlasova
Key Takeaways
Ranunculus is a favorite amongst flower lovers for good reason.
Ranunculus can be grown from bulb-like corms to flower during cool spring weather.
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For that reason, most gardeners grow ranunculus as seasonal spring flowers.
Regardless of when or where you plant them, ranunculus will need to be protected when frost is expected.
Ranunculus thrive in full sun and in organically enriched, well-drained soil.
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Gardeners can use raised beds if the native soil isn’t conducive to growing.
At the end of the season, let the plants die back.
If the ground is too wet, theres a high chance that the plant will rot.
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In hotter climates, a little protection from afternoon sun can be helpful.
Soil
Plant ranunculus in loamy or sandy soil that is slightly acidic and has good drainage.
Enrich the soil by mixing in compost.
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Ranunculus do not tolerate clay.
Water
When first planting corms, soak them in water for up to four hours before planting.
This will stimulate growth.
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Ranunculus don’t appreciate soggy soil, so dont overdo it.
Temperature And Humidity
Ranunculus likescool spring weather, but can’t survive a hard frost.
Add mulch around the base of the plants to protect them from the summer heat.
If you dont, expect ranunculus to go dormant once temperatures exceed 90 degrees or even sooner.
If conditions are unusually hot and wet, the corms will rot and the plants will die.
Fertilizer
After the first few ranunculus leaves appear, you might begin a fertilizing routine.
Deliver a slow-release fertilizer for flowers once a month, following the product label’s instructions for best results.
Types Of Ranunculus
The very largebuttercup genuscomprises several hundred species of widely differing habit and appearance.
True Persian buttercup is native to Asia and the Mediterranean region and grows well in Zones 810.
The tuberous-rooted plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and wide with fresh green, almost fern-like leaves.
Colors include whites, yellows, golds, pinks, reds, and purples.
Propagating Ranunculus
Dividing bulbscan help you control the size of the plants and tidy your garden bed.
Plant the new divisions with roots facing down.
In regions cooler than Zone 8, ranunculus is considered an annual.
In a week or two, you could give the bag a good shake to harvest the tiny seeds.
Set corms in soil with prongs down, 1-2 inches deep and 68 inches apart.
Water thoroughly, then withhold water until leaves emerge or soil starts to dry.
Sprouts should appear in about two weeks.
Deer do not bother them.
Aphids may be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Excess humidity and watering can lead to bacteria, fungi, or powdery mildew infecting the leaves.
Avoid watering in the evening and reduce watering if needed.
Improve air circulation if possible.
A serious powdery mildew problem can be treated with an appropriate fungicide.
Ranunculus need sunlight for a good bloom, but warm temperatures can bring blooming to a halt.
Once temperatures exceed 70 degrees, flower buds may stop forming.
A shade cloth or moving your plant to a more sheltered area could help delay dormancy.
Adjust soil texture, moisture, and sunlight if needed.
The best treatment is prevention by providing adequate drainage.
In frostier climates, ranunculus are planted in spring and bloom in late spring or summer.
That said, the bulbs can spread if they perennialize in your garden.
Persian buttercups can cause skin irritation from redness to blisters.
The plant is toxic when eaten in large quantities, causing burning in the mouth and gastrointestinal problems.
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.Buttercup.
NC State Extension.Ranunculus hybrids.
