Ranunculus flowers are admired for their gorgeous rose-like blossoms in vibrant shades of white, pink, red, yellow, orange and more Their delicate petals and bright colors make ranunculus a popular choice for bouquets, centerpieces, and floral arrangements But when planning your ranunculus garden or designing displays with cut stems, an important question arises – just how long do these ethereal blooms last?
The longevity of ranunculus depends on whether they are still growing in the garden or have been cut for indoor use With optimal care, ranunculus flowers can last up to 6 weeks in the garden and about 2 weeks as cut stems in a vase Follow these tips to maximize the lifespan of your ranunculus blooms both in the landscape and as cut flowers.
Ranunculus Flowering Duration in the Garden
Given proper growing conditions, ranunculus flowers will commonly last 4-6 weeks in the garden before going dormant. Here are some tips to get the longest bloom time from ranunculus planted in flower beds and containers:
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Start with high quality, pre-sprouted corms for best results. Large, healthy corms produce more flowers over a longer period.
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Plant in fertile, well-draining soil amended with organic matter. Ranunculus need consistent moisture.
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Give plants at least 6 hours of direct sun daily for the most prolific flowering.
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Water thoroughly when top 1-2 inches of soil become dry. Avoid wet foliage which can lead to disease.
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Fertilize monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer or slow release granular formula.
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Remove spent blooms to encourage new blossoms. Deadhead to a leaf node.
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In very hot climates, provide afternoon shade to prolong flowering.
With attentive care, your ranunculus may continue flowering for up to 6 weeks in spring and early summer conditions. Cool weather is ideal, so gardeners in hot climates may get closer to 4 weeks of blossoms before plants go dormant in summer heat.
Expected Bloom Time by Climate
Ranunculus are cool weather lovers. Their bloom timeframes will vary depending on your local climate and growing season:
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In zone 8-10 winter gardens, ranunculus bloom February through April for about 6 weeks.
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In zone 4-7 spring gardens, they bloom May through early July, lasting around 4-6 weeks.
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In cut flower farms and greenhouse production, ranunculus may bloom nearly year-round except for peak summer.
Knowing your first and last frost dates will help you determine when to plant ranunculus for optimal flowering in your area.
How Long Do Ranunculus Last as Cut Flowers?
The exquisite blossoms of ranunculus make them a favorite for florists and DIY bouquets. Follow these best practices for maximizing the vase life of cut ranunculus blooms:
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Harvest flowers in the morning when temperatures are coolest.
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Choose stems where flowers are showing color but still tight and unopened.
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Use clean, sharp pruners or knife to cut stems. Avoid crushing.
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Cut stems to about 18 inches long. Remove any leaves that would sit in water.
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Place in cool, clean water immediately after cutting.
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Use commercial flower food to provide nutrients and prolong freshness.
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Change water and re-cut stems every 2-3 days.
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Display ranunculus out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
When properly cared for, cut ranunculus blooms will remain fresh and open for 7-14 days. Pay close attention to water quality and hydration. Recutting stems and swapping water regularly gives the longest vase life.
Choose blooms at their peak for maximum longevity. Flowers already fully open or past prime will fade faster. As cut flowers, ranunculus typically last about 2 weeks with proper post-harvest care.
Growing Ranunculus for Cut Flowers
Ranunculus make exceptional cut flowers, so consider planting a dedicated cutting patch. Here are some tips:
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Grow ranunculus in raised beds for easy harvesting.
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Choose a protected, semi-shaded area to extend bloom time.
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Stake plants to keep stems straight and strong.
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Space plants closer together, about 4-6 inches apart.
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Cut flowers frequently to encourage more blooms.
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Consider succession planting for continuous harvests.
Caring for Ranunculus After Blooming
Once ranunculus plants finish flowering, the foliage dies back and the plant goes dormant until the next blooming cycle. Here is how to care for ranunculus after blooms fade:
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Stop deadheading and let seeds form to self sow future flowers.
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Stop fertilizing and reduce watering as foliage dies back.
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Leave dormant corms in place unless they must be dug up in cold climates.
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Mark spots where bulbs are planted to avoid disturbing them when dormant.
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In zones 4-7, dig up corms after foliage dies back and store over winter in a cool, dry place.
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Resume watering and fertilizing when foliage re-emerges in spring.
Understanding the lifespan of ranunculus flowers in the landscape and as cut blooms allows you to effectively plan your garden and floral displays. Follow these growing, cutting and postharvest care tips to maximize the beauty of your ranunculus blooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I save my corms to use for the next season?
Yes, ranunculus corms can be dug up and stored after blooming to be replanted the following season. Let the foliage die back completely before digging up corms. Wash off soil, allow to dry, and store in a cool, dry spot over winter. Check with the supplier though, as many ranunculus varieties are patented and cannot be legally propagated.
Which ranunculus varieties should I choose?
Some top choices are the Tecolote, Amandine, and Elegance series ranunculus. Consider bloom time, color, and form. Growers in hot climates may want to select more heat tolerant varieties. Discuss options with your local nursery or order from a reputable online source.
How long do ranunculus flowers last in a vase?
With proper post-harvest care, cut ranunculus stems typically last around 2 weeks in a vase before fading. Maximize longevity by starting with unopened buds, using commercial flower food, changing the water every 2-3 days, and recutting the stems frequently. Display out of direct light and heat.
Do ranunculus re-bloom after cutting?
Yes, ranunculus will continue blooming through the season after cutting flowers for bouquets and arrangements. Deadhead spent blooms back to a leaf node to encourage new flower production. The more often you cut stems, the more prolific the reblooming.
How can I make my ranunculus bloom longer?
To maximize ranunculus bloom time in the garden, provide consistent moisture, fertilize monthly, give them at least 6 hours of sun, plant in rich well-draining soil, remove spent blooms promptly, and offer some afternoon shade in hot climates. With optimal care, blooms last 4-6 weeks.
Growing long-lasting ranunculus flowers is easy with the right care and conditions. Follow these tips to enjoy these ephemeral spring blooms for as long as possible in your garden displays and hand-picked bouquets.
Plan for Success
Sun and Shade: Ranunculus are cool weather plants that need lots of bright light each day. In most climates, they should be grown in full sun. In hot climates they may need some sun protection during the hottest part of the day.
Hardiness Zone: Ranunculus corms are winter hardy in growing zones 8-10, where temperatures do not fall below 25°F. Gardeners in these areas plant ranunculus corms in fall for spring flowers. In colder areas (hardiness zones 4-7), ranunculus will not survive the winter outdoors unless they are grown under a floating row cover or greenhouse. Gardeners in these areas can plant ranunculus corms in late winter or very early spring for early summer flowers. To find your growing zone click HERE.
Soil Conditions: For best results, plant ranunculus corms in light, well-drained soil. Avoid soggy soil, as the corm and roots can rot. If you are growing ranunculus in containers, use a high quality, soil-less growing mix and protect the bulbs from excessive winter moisture.
Air Circulation: Ranunculus foliage is highly susceptible to powdery mildew, so maintaining good airflow in and around the plants is critical. Use drip irrigation or water early in the day so the foliage stays as dry as possible. Avoid overcrowding the plants.
Where to Plant Ranunculus
Ranunculus are cool season flowers that grow best in spring-like temperatures of about 55°F. In warm climates (zones 8-10), the corms are planted in the fall so they will bloom in late winter and early spring. Plant ranunculus in beds and borders, cutting gardens and containers. They are good companions for other spring flowers such as primroses, pansies and larkspur.
In climates where ranunculus are not winter hardy (zones 4-7), the corms are usually planted in late winter or very early spring for flowers in early summer. In these areas, home gardeners often grow ranunculus in containers rather than in the garden. Containers make it easier to control light and soil moisture.
Flower farmers and other commercial growers usually grow ranunculus in a greenhouse. To ensure flawless blossoms, its important to carefully control air temperatures and well as the amount of light the plants receive. When ranunculus are grown in a greenhouse or under low tunnels, the bulbs are either planted in fall for flowers in late winter and early spring, or in late winter for flowers in spring and early summer.
To learn more, read Cut Flower Favorites: Freesia and Ranunculus.