Ranunculus is a genus of perennial or annual herbs in the Ranunculaceae family. The leaves are usually alternate and palmately lobed or divided. While the thimble-like, April-blooming, often shiny flowers are most commonly yellow, cultivars have been bred bearing many other colors such as orange, pink, red, and white. The flowers give way to a head of small, dry achenes; because of this, some species can be a bit weedy in disturbed areas. However, they are great pollinator plants and serve as food for hummingbirds. Consider using them for beds, borders, rock gardens, and fresh cut flowers.

Plant the bulbs or tubers in fall for a glorious spring display. Growing Ranunculus flowers requires well-drained soil and full sun for the best results. Soak the tubers and then plant than with the roots or fingers pointed downward at a depth of 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm), depending on the size of the bulbs. It is an easy flower to grow. Grow in full sun, in organically enriched, very well-drained soil (if necessary, plant in raised beds). Set roots with prongs down, 2 inches deep (1 inches deep in heavier soils) and 68 inches apart. Water thoroughly, then withhold water until leaves emerge. Birds are fond of ranunculus shoots, so protect sprouting plants with netting or wire. Ranunculus grow well in well-drained soil and prefer rich, sandy ground. Avoid planting your ranunculus in areas where puddles remain long after rainfall, or if you know your soil is heavy clay. You can determine if your soil is predominantly clay by squeezing a handful of moist soil in your palm. Our Ranunculus are grown in the famous Carlsbad Flower Fields, and all they ask is for plenty of sunlight, rich soil, and light watering. If you're a fan of spring flowers and would like to add more color and form to your garden, then read on to discover how easy it can be with Ranunculus! Ranunculus normally starts to flower about 90 days after planting. Fall-planted corms bloom in early spring and continue steadily for six to seven weeks. Late winter-planted corms will flower by mid-spring and continue for four to six weeks. The vase life of ranunculus is outstanding, often exceeding 10 days.

These plants do best in full to PM sun. When planting, cover the tuberous roots 3 in. (7.5 cm) in soil and space 3-6 in. (8-15 cm) apart. Soak the tubers for 1 hour before planting or water well once planted. The foliage tends to die down in the summer.

Do you know when to plant ranunculus? This can be a little tricky if you don’t know what you’re doing. However, when you successfully follow the right process, what you’ll get is a gorgeous flower that’ll add that special something to your home or business.

For those individuals who are unfamiliar with the ranunculus plant, there are nearly 500 different kinds of ranunculus species. Some of these include the ranunculus allenii, the ranunculus bullatus, and the ranunculus canus just to name a few. Not only are these plants beautiful, certain kinds of the ranunculus are also used to make a variety of medicines too.

When to plant ranunculus seeds?

Ranunculus Growing Season

When should you plant ranunculus seeds? Ranunculus plants grow best in the spring time when the soil temperatures are about 55 degrees (F). However, in geographical areas that have warmer climates, ranunculus seeds can be planted in the fall as well.

The bloom time for ranunculus seeds planted in the fall is around March, and when planted in the early spring, the bloom time is in either July or August. After fully bloomed, the ranunculus plant will last around 6 weeks before they start to wither away and die.

Growers interested in getting their hands on some ranunculus seeds or ranunculus bulbs will be able to purchase them from their local nursery usually during the fall. When choosing your bulbs, make sure you examine them for quality. By doing so, you’ll have a better gardening experience when your ranunculus plants are fully bloomed. So, what should you look for when choosing the right bulbs?

Ranunculus Growing Indoors

First, the larger the bulb, the higher amount of stored nutritional energy. The more energy that’s stored in the bulb, the better the flower will bloom. This means that the plant will be much stronger while also growing many more flowers in comparison to a nutritionally-deficient bulb.

Another thing you’ll want to look at is the color of the bulb. If you see brown or even black spots, that may be a sign that the bulb is nutritionally-deficient or experiencing some sort of plant decay. Once you find some good bulbs, then it’s time to start the planting process. Now that you know when to plant ranunculus, it’s time to ask the question, where to plant ranunculus seeds or bulbs?

Where to plant ranunculus seeds or bulbs?

In geographical areas where cooler temperatures are more common (zone 4, and zone 5), ranunculus seeds should be planted in the spring and will grow better in either plastic or glass containers. By growing your ranunculus in small containers, you’ll also be able to watch your flowers grow right in front of your eyes.

On the other hand, in warmer temperatures (zone 6, zone 8, and zone 10), ranunculus seeds and bulbs can be planted in the late summer or fall and will grow better in gardening beds, boarders, cutting gardens, and other areas of the ground.

It’s important to note though that plants grown in zone 6, zone 8, and even zone 10 are more tolerate to the winter than say a plant grown in Zone 4. You don’t have to worry about your plants getting frostbite as much in these zones.

Ranunculus Growing Tips

When you do start the planting process, you should remember that ranunculus seeds should typically be planted about 4 inches from each other and 2 inches deep. This gives them the necessary room to grow. When finding the right spot to plant your ranunculus, find an area with well-drained soil. Soil that’s not well-drained and stays wet for long periods will eventually rot the plant and ultimately kill it as well.

Watering your ranunculus is also another important step in the growing process. When watering, go light until you see the first part off the plant start to emerge out from the soil. From there, increase your watering, but also make sure that you don’t over water either. This could rot or kill your plants.

Once your flowers begin to show signs of color, many gardeners suggest cutting them. This will allow your bouquets to stay in good condition for a much longer period. Many people fear that if they cut these flowers off, they may harm the plant, and that is just not true. In fact, your ranunculus plant will continue to bloom if not bloom more than it already did when you snip these flowers.

Last but not least, it’s essential that you leave the foliage in the ground once the growing season has come to an end. Why? The left over foliage will provide nourishment to the soil and ultimately help the next ranunculus plant that you grow in that location.

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