How do I Plant Ranunculus Bulbs?

Created by Cheyenne ., Modified on Thu, 22 Sep 2022 at 01:43 PM by Garden State Bulb Support

Hardiness Zone: 8-10

Planting Time: Fall

Bloom Time: Late Spring, Early Summer

Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Shade

Spacing: 2” to 3” apart (12 bulbs per sq ft)

Depth: Plant 2” to 3” deep

Mature Height: 12” to 16” tall

Benefits: Beautiful Cut Flowers


*Note: it’s important to store the bulbs correctly: unpack them right away and put them in a dry place with plenty of air circulation, where the temperature is between 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. 


Ranunculus Bulb Planting Instructions:

  1. Before planting, soak the corms for 2-3 hours in lukewarm water to add moisture back to the corm; this helps to jump start rooting. 
  2. Plant ranunculus in the fall when the ground cools and before the first hard frost. Outside temperature should be about 65℉ or cooler.
  3.  Select a well-drained location that receives full sun to partial shade. 
  4. Dig a hole 2-3” deep in loosened soil and place corms in the hole. Corms should be spaced about 2-3” apart. Plant corms with the “claw” facing down. 
  5. Cover with soil. After planting, water well once so that the soil above the bulbs settles. Fertilize the corms with bulb food after planting to help them get established and grow strong new roots. Once planted, the soil needs to remain moist 



Ongoing Ranunculus Care:

Caring for your Ranunculus after they bloom is rather simple. Once they fade to yellow and dry up, do not cut the foliage or water, they will move into dormancy. Gently remove the dried-up foliage, leaving them where they are to absorb the sunlight that helps produce the energy needed for next year’s blooms. They should bloom again next spring. Corms can also be dug up and stored in a cool place to dry out before you plant them next year. To do this, carefully dig around the plant with a trowel and lift the stems out. There should be a collection of corms which you separate gently with your hands then store and replant the following year. 

Was this article helpful?

That’s Great!

Thank you for your feedback

Sorry! We couldn't be helpful

Thank you for your feedback

Let us know how can we improve this article!

Select atleast one of the reasons

Feedback sent

We appreciate your effort and will try to fix the article