Ranunculus are stored and shipped dry and in a dormant stage. You may think they look like tiny Octopuses, but don’t worry, they will produce many flowers come Spring.
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Upon arrival Ranunculus bulbs can be stored for several months as long as they are stored dry. Indoors a climate controlled building/home works great.
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When ready to plant, soak or shower the bulbs in water for a minimum of 3-4 hours. To maintain levels of oxygen, slow running water is recommended or change water during process. Water temperature should not be warmer than 55F. After soaking, the corms can be planted directly into the ground, or be presprouted.
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You may want to amend the soil with some compost and organic fertilizer. We like to sprinkle in some bone meal to add calcium, which makes the stems stronger come Spring. Plant bulbs in raised beds in a well drained soil. For pot or box cultivation; use a very well drained, sterilized low soluble salt, pH 6 to 6.5 growing medium. We have had success growing ranunculus in raised beds, and heated or unheated tunnels.
When To Plant Ranunculus
Warmer Climates Growing Zones 8-10 should Fall Plant Ranunculus in October-December after the Daytime temperatures have dropped below 80 degrees. Ranunculus can do dormant if grown too warm.
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Colder Climates Growing Zones 7 or Colder should plant Ranunculus in Early Spring around 4-6 weeks before your last frost. The Ranunculus needs cooler temperatures to hang around long enough for it to bloom. If you wait too late to plant, and have a warm Spring, the plants can go dormant if grown too warm. For reference, my friends in Boston, MA plant Ranunculus in Late March after the worst of the cold temps have passed.
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Temperature: 40-50F night, 60F day is ideal (ranunculus can handle light frost or warmer days as long as root system remains at 40-50F). Please provide plenty of ventilation to control temperature and humidity if grown under a structure such as a high tunnel or greenhouse.
Planting Ranunculus
Plant in Full Sun to Part Sun. After the soak and recommended pre-rooting period, corms can be planted directly in the ground or in cells and transplanted later. Plant Ranunculus with it’s “fingers” pointing down. A ranunculus planted upside down will rot and die. Spacing for Ranunculus corms is about 6-8” apart. Plant Ranunculus 1-2” deep, under the soil surface.
Watering Ranunculus
If possible keep foliage dry, and use drip irrigation if available. Do not make the soil too wet, therefore drainage and raised beds is very important. Water well once after planting and wait for spring to water, unless the soil is bone dry. Regular rainfall will provide enough water until the temperatures warm in the Spring.
Keep soil cool and moist, but not wet! Soil temperature needs to remain below 55F (12.5C) all along the growing cycle. Long periods of warmer soil temperature will trigger the plant to die back into dormancy, just like warm spring would do. Water as needed during active growth periods
Harvesting Ranunculus
Ranunculus typically start to flower about three months after planting. Fall-planted ranunculus will bloom Early Spring for 6-8 weeks. Early Spring planted ranunculus will bloom by Mid-Spring and continue blooming for 6 weeks. Our plants generally produce continuously until heat renders them dormant.
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Ranunculus will open during the day and close at night. Ideal cutting stage for the longest vase life is early morning, once the bud is squishy like a marshmellow. The flower will continue to open once cut. If nervous, you can cut them once they first open. Cut the stem all the way down at the soil level, be careful not to cut new stems forming at the soil surface. Store flowers cool in water. Ranunculus has an excellent vase life, often exceeding 10 days!
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The most common pests and diseases are aphids and powdery mildew. Scouting for these weekly is a must to keep plants happy and healthy for maximum production.