1. Depending on where you live and what kind of setup you’re working with, you can plant your ranunculus corms in either autumn or late winter/early spring, in a place where they’ll get full sun. In areas with mild winter temperatures (USDA zone 7 and above), corms can be planted in the autumn and successfully overwintered outdoors with the protection of a low tunnel or frost cloth. In colder areas (USDA zone 6b and below), ranunculus must be grown in a minimally heated hoop house or held back and planted out at the end of winter or in early spring. If corms are exposed to temperatures below 25°F (−4°C), they will freeze and ultimately rot once they thaw, so be sure to protect them from extreme cold.
2. When you unpack your corms, you’ll notice they resemble little brown octopuses and are probably not what you were expecting. Don’t worry—these strange little critters will produce an abundance of striking blooms come spring.
3. Before planting, soak corms for 3 to 4 hours in room-temperature water. It’s important that you don’t oversoak them—they will rot. As the corms soak, they will plump up, often doubling in size. After soaking, corms can either be planted directly into the ground or presprouted. Presprouting the corms before planting will mean flowers bloom a few weeks earlier.
4. To presprout, fill a flat-bottom seed tray half full of moist potting soil. Sprinkle the soaked corms onto the soil, and then completely cover them with more soil. Leave the tray in a cool place (40°F–50°F / 4°C–10°C) for 10 to 14 days in an area where rodents can’t find it. Check on the corms every few days, making sure the soil is moist but not soggy, and remove any corms that show signs of mold or rot.
5. During this time, corms will swell to about twice their original size and develop little white rootlets that resemble hair. Once rootlets appear, it’s time to plant them in the ground. Before planting, it’s important to prepare the growing beds. We add a generous dose of compost (2 to 3 in / 5 to 8 cm) and a balanced organic fertilizer (such as Nature’s Intent 7-2-4) and mix it thoroughly into the soil. Ranunculus corms are planted 9 in (23 cm) apart at a depth of 2 to 3 in (5 to 8 cm), with 4 rows per bed. Plant corms with the “octopus tentacles” pointing down.
6. During cold stretches, when temperatures dip below freezing, cover the plants with a layer of frost cloth. Autumn-planted corms bloom in early spring, and late-winter or early-spring-planted corms will flower by midspring.
7. We always get lots of questions about how to store ranunculus corms until it’s time to plant them and about whether they can be left in the ground to rebloom the following year. Corms can be stored in the bags they arrive in; keep them in a cool, dry place until it’s time to plant. In colder climates, grow ranunculus just like annuals and plant new corms each season. If you’re a gardener in USDA zone 7 or above, you can leave your corms in the ground and they may bloom the following year depending on multiple factors, such as how cold your winter is, how well your soil drains, and how much pest pressure you have in your garden. I never count on overwintered corms and plant new ones every year. If the overwintered ones return, I always count it as a bonus.
8. Ranunculus have an outstanding vase life, often exceeding 10 days. Cut when buds are colored and squishy like a marshmallow, but not yet fully open, for a vase life of 10 to 12 days. If the blooms are open when cut, they’ll still last a week but will be more fragile to transport. Be sure to cut spent flowers down to the base to promote new blooms.
Ranunculus are stunning spring bloomers loved for their rose-like, ruffled flowers. Their bright colors and delicate beauty make them ideal for gardens, cut flowers, and floral designs. Many gardeners wonder if ranunculus can be successfully planted in spring or if fall planting is required. The good news is that with the right climate and care, ranunculus can thrive when planted in spring.
When to Plant Ranunculus
Ranunculus can be planted in either spring or fall depending on your growing zone:
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For cold winter climates (zones 3-7) spring planting is best. Plant the corms in March-April once the threat of hard frost has passed. Use cold frames or hoop houses to protect the emerging plants. This will provide blooms from late spring into early summer.
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In mild winter climates (zones 8-10), fall planting is ideal. Plant the corms in September-November for blooms the following March-May Some chill time is required, so make sure to vernalize corms properly before planting
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Successional planting in both spring and fall extends the harvest. Stagger plantings by 2-3 weeks for waves of blooms.
How to Plant Ranunculus in Spring
With the right care, ranunculus can thrive when spring planted:
Start Corms Indoors
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Begin by soaking corms in room temperature water for 2-4 hours to rehydrate.
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Next, place the plumped corms in seed starting mix in trays, “claws” down. Keep moist and between 60-70°F until sprouted.
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Start corms indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost date. Ensure they are well sprouted before transplanting.
Prepare the Garden Bed
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Select a site with full sun and well-draining soil. Incorporate compost and balanced fertilizer.
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Space rows 12” apart. Install hoop house or cold frame over the bed for frost and pest protection.
Transplant Corms Outdoors
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Wait until soil and air temperatures are above 50°F before transplanting. Space corms 6-8” apart at a depth of 1-2”.
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Water well after planting and provide frost protection at night if needed. Avoid overwatering.
Maintain Ideal Conditions
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Ranunculus need consistent moisture – about 1” per week. Use drip irrigation to keep soil evenly moist.
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Stake stems when they reach 6-8” tall to prevent flopping. Check for pests like aphids and treat promptly.
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Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Harvest when buds first show color.
Growing Ranunculus by Zone
Spring planting technique varies slightly by growing zone:
Cold Climates (Zones 3-6)
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Plant in spring under protection of cold frames or hoop houses.
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Use frost covers or mulch if fall planting. Corms will not overwinter unprotected.
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Start corms indoors 6-8 weeks before last spring frost for best results.
Mild Climates (Zones 7-9)
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Spring or fall planting will work. Unheated hoop house recommended.
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Provide frost protection as needed until plants establish.
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Fall planted ranunculus will bloom earlier than spring plantings.
Warm Climates (Zones 9-10)
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Optimal to plant corms in the fall. Bloom late winter into spring.
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Vernalize corms properly before fall planting.
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Can be left unprotected in the garden over winter in these mild zones.
Tips for Success with Spring Ranunculus
Follow these best practices when spring planting ranunculus:
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Purchase large, top quality corms from reputable suppliers for best results
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Presprout corms indoors before transplanting out
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Use hoop houses, cold frames and frost covers to protect plants
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Plant in raised beds with well-draining, fertile soil
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Water evenly and avoid oversaturation of soil
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Stake tall stems to prevent flopping
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Control pests immediately upon detection
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Deadhead to prolong flowering period
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Succession plant for extended harvests
Common Ranunculus Growing Issues
Even with proper care, ranunculus can encounter problems. Watch for these common issues:
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Leggy, floppy plants – Increase sunlight, use larger corms, stake stems
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Rotted corms – Improve drainage, avoid overwatering, treat with fungicide pre-planting
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Small blooms – Give more sun, use bigger corms, maintain even moisture
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Distorted leaves – Indicates salt buildup in soil, flush regularly
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Failure to bloom – Corms too small, planted too late, vernalization period too short
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Pests – Aphids, botrytis, thrips – treat with organic pest control
With preventative care and prompt troubleshooting, you can get spring planted ranunculus back on track for success.
Harvesting and Enjoying Ranunculus Blooms
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Harvest ranunculus stems when buds first begin to show color for maximum vase life.
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Cut stems early in the morning when cool and hydrated.
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Immediately place in water with floral preservative to maintain freshness.
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Remove any foliage that will sit below the waterline.
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Ranunculus make gorgeous cut flowers for bouquets, centerpieces, and events.
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Deadhead routinely to encourage more blooms. Each stem can produce 25+ flowers over 4-6 weeks!
With proper spring planting and care, ranunculus will reward you with their colorful, elegant blooms. Follow these tips tailored to your zone, and you’ll be enjoying armloads of ranunculus flowers before you know it.
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What You Will Need
- Top-quality ranunculus corms
- Potting soil or peat moss
- Compost
- Organic fertilizer
- Frost cloth
- Drip irrigation or soaker hoses
- Depending on where you live and what kind of setup you’re working with, you can plant your ranunculus corms in either autumn or late winter/early spring, in a place where they’ll get full sun. In areas with mild winter temperatures (USDA zone 7 and above), corms can be planted in the autumn and successfully overwintered outdoors with the protection of a low tunnel or frost cloth. In colder areas (USDA zone 6b and below), ranunculus must be grown in a minimally heated hoop house or held back and planted out at the end of winter or in early spring. If corms are exposed to temperatures below 25°F (−4°C), they will freeze and ultimately rot once they thaw, so be sure to protect them from extreme cold.
- When you unpack your corms, you’ll notice they resemble little brown octopuses and are probably not what you were expecting. Don’t worry—these strange little critters will produce an abundance of striking blooms come spring.
- Before planting, soak corms for 3 to 4 hours in room-temperature water. It’s important that you don’t oversoak them—they will rot. As the corms soak, they will plump up, often doubling in size. After soaking, corms can either be planted directly into the ground or presprouted. Presprouting the corms before planting will mean flowers bloom a few weeks earlier.
- To presprout, fill a flat-bottom seed tray half full of moist potting soil. Sprinkle the soaked corms onto the soil, and then completely cover them with more soil. Leave the tray in a cool place (40°F–50°F / 4°C–10°C) for 10 to 14 days in an area where rodents can’t find it. Check on the corms every few days, making sure the soil is moist but not soggy, and remove any corms that show signs of mold or rot.
- During this time, corms will swell to about twice their original size and develop little white rootlets that resemble hair. Once rootlets appear, it’s time to plant them in the ground. Before planting, it’s important to prepare the growing beds. We add a generous dose of compost (2 to 3 in / 5 to 8 cm) and a balanced organic fertilizer (such as Nature’s Intent 7-2-4) and mix it thoroughly into the soil. Ranunculus corms are planted 9 in (23 cm) apart at a depth of 2 to 3 in (5 to 8 cm), with 4 rows per bed. Plant corms with the “octopus tentacles” pointing down.
- During cold stretches, when temperatures dip below freezing, cover the plants with a layer of frost cloth. Autumn-planted corms bloom in early spring, and late-winter or early-spring-planted corms will flower by midspring.
- We always get lots of questions about how to store ranunculus corms until it’s time to plant them and about whether they can be left in the ground to rebloom the following year. Corms can be stored in the bags they arrive in; keep them in a cool, dry place until it’s time to plant. In colder climates, grow ranunculus just like annuals and plant new corms each season. If you’re a gardener in USDA zone 7 or above, you can leave your corms in the ground and they may bloom the following year depending on multiple factors, such as how cold your winter is, how well your soil drains, and how much pest pressure you have in your garden. I never count on overwintered corms and plant new ones every year. If the overwintered ones return, I always count it as a bonus.
- Ranunculus have an outstanding vase life, often exceeding 10 days. Cut when buds are colored and squishy like a marshmallow, but not yet fully open, for a vase life of 10 to 12 days. If the blooms are open when cut, they’ll still last a week but will be more fragile to transport. Be sure to cut spent flowers down to the base to promote new blooms.
HOW to PLANT and GROW RANUNCULUS plus TIPS for growing ranunculus in HOT CLIMATES
FAQ
What month is best to plant ranunculus?
Planting of both anemones and ranunculus ideally takes place in the first half of October but can happen as late as mid-November for abundant spring blooms in our region. We soak and pre-sprout the corms per the directions sent by Gloeckner with the order.
How do you plant ranunculus bulbs in the spring?
Dig holes that allow you to plant the ranunculus 2 to 3 inches deep, and 6 to 9 inches apart. Make sure that the “pointed” ends are facing downward. After planting, gently soak the soil. Pre-sprouting ranunculus will allow your corms to bloom a few weeks earlier than normal.
Do ranunculus come back every year?
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Perennial in Warm Climates:In zones 8-10, ranunculus are considered perennials, meaning they can survive the winter and bloom again the following year if the corms (underground stems) are left in the ground.
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Annual in Colder Climates:In colder regions (zones 4-7), ranunculus are typically treated as annuals, meaning they are planted each spring and the corms are not likely to survive the winter.
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Corm Storage:If you live in a colder climate and want to try to overwinter ranunculus, you can dig up the corms in the fall, store them in a cool, dry place, and replant them in the spring.
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Planting Time:In warmer zones, ranunculus can be planted in the fall for spring blooms, while in colder zones, they are typically planted in late winter or early spring.
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Growing Conditions:Ranunculus prefer cool, moist conditions and well-drained soil. They also need full sun to partial shade.
Is June too late to plant ranunculus?
Some growers in northern areas (the northern edge of the US and parts of Canada) find that they can start ranunculus corms in June, plant them out in July, and have gorgeous blooms in September, for a second crop. As a flower farmer it’s worth a try!