How do I Plant Ranunculus Bulbs?

Ranunculus flowers are some of the most stunning perennials around, and they come in a wide variety of rich hues. You can shop Ranunculus flower bulbs Here during the fall season. 

Getting Started:

Flower Bulbs (& Corms, Rhizomes, Tubers, etc.) have some specific requirements when it comes to outdoor planting. If you don’t know your Hardiness Zone, you’ll need to check it Here. 

The USDA Hardiness Zones can help determine what will grow well, where, and when. Even if Alliums are outside of your Hardiness Zone, you may still be able to grow them for a season–and if they are within your Hardiness Zone, you may be able to grow them year after year. 

Ranunculus Requirements:

• Hardiness Zone: 8-10
• Planting Time: Fall 
• Bloom Time: Late Spring, Early Summer 
• Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial Shade 
• Spacing: 2” - 3” Apart 
• Depth: 2” - 3” Deep 
• Mature Height: 12” - 16” Tall 
• Benefits: Easy to grow, Deer Resistant, Gorgeous Cut Flowers

Pre-Planting:

Store Ranunculus Corms in a dry place, cool place (40-70 degrees F) with plenty of air circulation. Inside a paper bag in your fridge should perfectly simulate the winter period these bulbs need to gather nutrients and prepare for the next growing season. 

While not strictly necessary, a lot of gardeners prefer to soak Ranunculus Corms in lukewarm water for 2-3 hours prior to planting. It is believed to help the roots get a head start on growth. 

Conditions:

Wait to plant until the soil outdoors is 60 degrees F (or colder). Select a location with well-drained soil that receives full sun to partial shade. If you like, you can amend the soil by mixing in topsoil, compost, manure, and leaf mold. 

Planting Outdoors:

Plant Ranunculus Corms in the fall when the temperature is 65 degrees F (or cooler), before the first frost of winter. Plant corms 2-3” deep and space them 2-3” apart, with the “claws” facing down. They should look like little shell-less hermit crabs before you cover them with soil! Water well, fertilize, and keep the soil moist (but not wet). 

Maintenance:

Water regularly to keep the soil moist–easy peasy! 

Aftercare:

After the blooms have faded and dried, resist the urge to trim or cut! Allow them to die off and move into dormancy before gently removing the dried-up foliage. Leave the stems to absorb sunlight and regenerate for next year’s blooms. 

If you live within the Ranunculus Hardiness Zones, you can probably leave them in the ground to bloom next season. If, however, you live outside the Ranunculus’ comfort zones, you can dig them up and store them safely until the next planting season. Carefully dig around the plant with a trowel and lift them out by the stems. Separate clumps gently and replant the following season!