Everything You Need To Know About Growing Ranunculus Bulbs!
November 20, 2021Ranunculus asiaticus (Persian buttercups) are prized for their beautifully colourful and ruffled petals, tall stems, and lengthy vase life. Their colour variety, which includes vivid pink, red, and purple, as well as cream, mild yellow, and orange, makes them a popular choice for florists and bridal bouquets.
Plus, depending on the climate, the bulbs are easy to locate in nurseries and catalogues, and they can be planted in the fall or spring. The plants will bloom in late spring to early summer if they develop swiftly enough.
Their rose-like petals are delicate and slender. Ranunculus, regardless of variation, make excellent companions for other spring flowers such as anemones, bloomingdales, dahlias, and tulips.
Basic Care Requirements for Ranunculus :
- Light: Light Persian buttercups thrive in full sun (at least six hours of sunlight on most days) and like to be planted in full sun. Choose a south-facing, sunny window for indoor container gardening.
- Soil: These plants prefer sandy or loamy soil with adequate drainage and a pH that is somewhat acidic. If your soil is heavy, add peat moss or plant in raised garden beds where you can manage the composition of the soil.
- Water: To avoid rot, irrigate the bulbs thoroughly after planting and then restrict water until growth develops. Plants enjoy relatively moist soil once established, so water only when the soil begins to dry up.
- Fertilizer: Before planting your bulbs, add some compost or bulb fertiliser to the planting site's soil. Once the plants have developed leaves, fertilise them biweekly with a water-soluble fertiliser.
The Planting guide for Ranunculus
- Soak your ranunculus corms in room-temperature water for at least three to four hours before planting for the best results. This helps them get a head start in their development. When your corms have doubled in size and sprouted white, hair-like roots, you know they're ready. If they become saturated, they may rot, so set a timer when soaking your corms so you don't forget about them.
- Soggy soil can induce root rot, despite the importance of moist soil. In your cutting garden, plant ranunculus in a well-draining spot or use well-draining potting soil.
- Plant your corms four to six inches apart and two to three inches deep. Each corm has several buds that will produce multiple flowers, and spacing them out will allow the plants to flourish.
- Mulch will assist the soil retain moisture, which is essential for the early growth of the flowers, and will allow you to water the flowerbed less frequently. Mulch can also help keep the soil cool when the weather warms, extending the life of the blooms.
- Ranunculus flowers have a lengthy vase life, frequently lasting more than ten days. Cut the flowers while they're delicate and vivid but haven't fully unfurled for the longest vase life. They'll stay about a week in a vase if you can clip them before they unfurl. When transporting them, be careful because their petals are very fragile once opened.
Container Gardening with Persian Buttercups Or Ranunculus
Persian buttercups are frequently grown in containers, especially in areas where they are not hardy. To begin, start with containers that have plenty of drainage holes in the bottom. Fill a container halfway with an all-purpose, well-draining potting mix. If planting in the same pot, space the bulbs three to four inches apart and bury them about two inches deep in the soil. After planting the bulbs, make sure they are properly watered and that the container is in full sun.