Ranunculus

Grow florist ranunculus in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0 during cool weather. Incorporate compost and feed lightly during active growth; protect plants from hard freezes and reduce watering when foliage yellows into dormancy.

Sun

Full sun

Water

1 in/week, even

Spacing

8 in

First harvest

90 from corm; cool-season bloom

Tips

• Soak corms for 3-4 hours, then plant claws down about 2 inches deep and 8 inches apart.
• Water after planting and provide about 1 inch weekly during active growth, never leaving corms in saturated soil.
• Apply a light balanced fertilizer according to the label once plants are actively growing.
• Watch for gray mold on flowers and leaves, removing affected tissue and improving airflow.
• Cut flowers as buds color and soften, and leave foliage until it yellows before lifting corms where winters are too cold.

Soak corms for 3-4 hours and plant claws down 2 inches deep in fall in mild-winter zones; in cold zones plant in early spring instead and protect emerging growth from hard freezes.