Ranunculus
Fall Planning for Favorite Spring Flowers
Ranunculus are the “it” flower of the bouquet world and when they show up at farmers markets and flower stands, warm days are around the corner. Ranunculus are easy to grow and charming in planters and window boxes.
Like anything popular, ranunculus corms and plants sell out quickly. Luckily, most nurseries big and small, will gladly ship to where ever you are.
When to Plant
Where you live will determine when you can plant Ranunculus as will it help you decide to go with corms or with potted plants. What is a corm? A corm is the solid bulb that will grow in to a flower. Generally speaking, corms are less expensive and produce more blooms. Corms need 90 days from planting to blooms. Potted plants give instant gratification and can be planted pretty much anytime after the last freeze to the end of spring.
If plants make the most sense for you, fall is when to get on your nursery waiting list for spring plants.
US GROWING ZONES
Click on the above link to find out in which growing zone you live.
Zones 8 and 9. Plant corms in late November for March flowers.
Zones 6 and 7. Plant corms in late March for June flowers.
Zones 4 and 5. Plant corms in late April for July flowers.
These dates, like everything that Mother Nature oversees, is the norm not the rule. Ranunculus cannot survive a freeze.
Where to Plant
Plant Ranunculus in a sunny spot. All-day southern exposure is best. Half-day eastern exposure is second best and quarter-day western exposure comes in third.
Keep in mind, Ranunculus are perennials in zones 8 and 9. In the cooler zones, they are annuals.
How to Plant
Soak corms in water for 3 to 4 hours to soften their hard shell. Make sure drainage is good and soil is light that is to say, not clay. Plant corms claws down 2 inches and at least 4 inches apart. Give a medium watering and then do not water again until sprouts appear. Ranunculus do not need lots of water and while actively growing, a weekly watering will generally do.
Ranunculus hail from the Middle East where the soil is rocky if not sandy and the weather is dry with cool nights.
