How to grow Buttercups Ranunculus in Zone 6
6 Tips for Success
Are Ranunculus a Corm, Bulb or a Tuber?
I had to check this, because this is the Internet.
According to Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Gardening, Ranunculus is a Tuberous Root - just like a Dahlia.
When you compare a Ranunculus Tuber with a Dahlia Tuber, you can see the similarities.
Discover the secrets to growing vibrant ranunculus flowers in your garden!
From planting tips to care advice, this guide has everything you need to know to get you growing these colourful blooms.
When to plant outdoors?
Plant outside when the danger of frost is over. For me it's at the end of May.
Or start your Ranunculus indoors and plant them outside when it's warm enough. The package suggests starting indoors a month before your last frost date.
Planting Tips for outside:
- Plant in groups of 10 or more . The packages that I bought have 7 in each. They were suppose to have 8.
- Soak your Ranunculus Tubers in cold water for several hours (3-4 hours) before planting them.
- Dig a hole in fertile soil - about 2 inches - 5 cm deep, add compost to hole as well.
- Place the Ranunculus in the hole with pointed side up.
- Space Ranunculus 3 Inches - 7.5 cm apart.
- Cover ranunculus with soil and water thoroughly.
Location:
Full Sun or Semi/Shade
Depth:
2 inch - 5 cm
Distance apart:
3 inch - 7.5 cm
Flowering Period:
July to September
Height:
16 inch - 40 cm
Caring for Ranunculus
I find Ranunculus easy to grow, except the wildlife thought I was growing them a garden. I end up surrounding the Ranunculus plants with chickenwire. It was not so pretty then. :)
Watering Requirements outside:
Keep the soil consistently moist. Water Ranunculus deeply once a week or more during dry spells.
Fertilizing Ranunculus
Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, in early spring and again after the flowers have bloomed for tuber growth.
Protecting Ranunculus from Pests and Diseases
Common Pests:
Watch out for pests such as rodents, rabbits, aphids, snails and slugs, which may feed on ranunculus foliage and flowers.
Preventing Diseases
Ranunculus is susceptible to diseases such as powdery mildew. Ensure good air circulation around plants and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal infections.
Harvesting and Storing Ranunculus
Harvesting Ranunculus Flowers
Cut ranunculus flowers early in the morning when they are fully open but still cool. Use sharp scissors to make clean cuts at an angle OR harvest Ranunculus at the soft bud stage and let it open in the vase for longer vase life (10-12 days).
Storing Ranunculus Tuberous Roots
After the foliage has died back, carefully dig up the bulbs and allow them to dry in a cool, well-ventilated area. Store the roots in a breathable container filled with peat moss or vermiculite until it's time to replant again in the spring.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q:How long do ranunculus flowers bloom?
A: Ranunculus flowers typically bloom for 6-8 weeks.
Q: Do ranunculus flowers come back every year?
A: Ranunculus is a perennial plant in mild climates, but it is often grown as an annual in colder regions. In zone6 it's a annual flower.
Q: Are ranunculus a good cut flower?
A: Yes. It has long sturdy stems and the vase life is about 7 - 10 days.
- My Experience with Growing Ranunculus:
Ranunculus Outdoor Planting (my favourite):
I began by planting my ranunculus roots directly in the garden.
Covered the roots with chickenwire as a rodent deterrent.
After watering them thoroughly, I patiently awaited their sprouts, providing additional water as necessary.
Ranunculus Indoor Cultivation:
I attempted to start ranunculus indoors under grow lights. Despite watering the soil only before planting, I observed the emergence of gray mold on the soil surface. Upon inspecting the roots, I discovered that all my ranunculus plants had become moldy. I was so disappointed! Another year lost!
Analysis of the Issue:
I suspect that the indoor soil retained excessive moisture, creating an environment conducive to mold growth. Ranunculus are prone to rot if overwatered or if the soil lacks proper drainage.
I only watered once and I had proper drainage in the pot. Maybe the soil need to be amended with perlite for extra drainage ?
So, I bought more Ranunculus and started again.
This time I soaked the tubers until they were hydrated ( some people leave them in water for 3-4 hours ).
Moisten the soil until it was wet by not saturated and just pushed the tubers in the moist soil, dust with soil, but not covering them with soil and put them under lights and waited.
Remove any tubers that are starting to rot and plant them in another pot and just in case they still want to grow. :)
Ranunculus started growing surface roots - spidery type roots on the surface of the soil. At first I didn't know what it was, until I started pulling on them. :)
Ten days later I started to see sprouts and now my Ranunculus are ready to be planted out.
Do I think these flowers are worth all of the fuss?
If you are bored and want a different plant in your garden to learn and admire? Yes! :)
Future Approach:
Given this experience, I am inclined to continue with outdoor planting. This method conserves indoor space and primarily requires vigilance against rodents that might target the tubers. Cover tubers with chickenwire after planting.
I've learned that while indoor cultivation of ranunculus offers control over environmental factors, it also requires meticulous attention to moisture levels to prevent mold.
If you are a flower farmer - starting ranunculus indoors will help getting early flower stems.
While outdoor planting, though subject to external variables, has proven more successful for me, provided I protect the roots from pests.
Bulbs, Tubers and Corms || All about Flowers
