Nov
Ranunculus are one of the most thrilling flowers for a flower grower to grow and harvest. Their unreal rose-like bloom is a thrill in the spring as it opens and fills the garden with color. I was ecstatic when I realized years ago that they could grow and even thrive in my dry, desert zone. Now, they are a staple in my spring garden and a major focal flower in my bouquets. I can’t imagine planning my spring garden and not including them on my list.
Cut Flower Beauty
When grown as a cut flower, ranunculus can last 10 days or longer in a vase. They are a hardy bloom that will provide beauty in the vase long after the other flowers have faded. They should be cut as they are beginning to open on the stem for maximum vase life.
When is the best time to plant?
If you are wanting to try your hand at this stunner, now through December is the time to plant them in warmer climates- zones 7 and above. If you live in a colder climate, you can start them indoors in February and plant them outside at the end of winter- usually a month before your last spring frost.
Ranunculus Corms
You may be shocked by their appearance when you open your package of ranunculus corms, but be assured that they will produce something breathtakingly beautiful. They are brown and look a little like a spider with their many legs and they will be dry and brittle. Be careful not to break off the delicate appendages as you handle them before planting.
Disclosure: This post uses affiliate links for products we use at our farm. See our disclosure and privacy policies for additional information.
How To Prepare Your Corms For Planting
To grow and have success with ranunculus, simply follow these steps.
1- Purchase quality corms.
2- Soak corms for 3-4 hours in room temperature water. Do NOT oversoak.
3- You can either plant directly in ground, or pre-sprout. If planting directly, skip to step 8.
4- To pre-sprout, fill a flat-bottom seed tray halfway full of moist potting soil. Most soil mixes need to be primed to retain moisture. After wetting the soil with a watering can, work the moisture into the soil thoroughly with your hands.
5- Spread the soaked corms over the soil and completely cover with more soil. We have found this soil scoop helpful.
6- Leave tray in a 40-50 degree area for 10 days where rodents cannot disturb it. Check every few days to make sure soil is moist but not soggy. Remove any corms that show signs of mold or rot.
7- Once the 10 days are up, plant corms 6 inches apart at a depth of 2 inches with the pointy end down.
8- Blooms begin in spring and continue for 8-10 weeks. Harvest at base of plant as soon as buds open for longest vase life.
9- If you choose to enjoy your blooms in the garden and not as a cut flower, deadhead as the bloom begins to droop for continual flower production.
Thank you for all the info! These are so beautiful! Can you recommend either a local source in the Gilbert area or favorite mail order places? Thank you!
Hi Val, sometimes SummerWinds Nursery has corms. I like to order online from Floret or Plant Gems. You can also find them occassionally at Home Depot and Lowes.
What kind of light do ranunculus like (in Phoenix)?
I plant most of mine in full sun, but I do have some in part shade and they do just as well.