The echoes of spring days are fading, and with them go some of the garden’s most enchanting blooms. This year’s cold spring allowed a few cool-loving flowers to linger, but as the summer solstice arrives, one standout cultivar bids us farewell until next season.
I admit, letting go of ranunculus is never easy. They are the epitome of spring beauty, versatile and captivating. While I await the arrival of dahlias to fill the void, the ranunculus holds a special place in my heart—a friend I both adore and begrudgingly part with.
Often called the “rose of spring,” ranunculus are as fickle as they are breathtaking. These beauties demand just the right conditions—earning their nickname as the Goldilocks of flowers—but the reward for your effort is armloads of dreamy blooms that will make your heart sing.
Whether you’re new to growing ranunculus or looking to refine your techniques, this guide will help you navigate their unique quirks and maximize your spring harvest. And for a quick rundown, check out the 5-Minute Flower Friday video linked at the end of this post!
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Ranunculus flowers are beloved for their delicate, rose-like blooms that appear in spring and early summer. Their softly ruffled petals in shades of white, pink, red, yellow and purple look almost like tissue paper These charming flowers make stunning cut flowers too, lasting up to a week in a vase.
While ranunculus give great joy in the garden, they do require some special care as they are not perennials. Ranunculus grow from corms that need to be dug up and stored over winter if you want flowers again next year. Luckily, saving ranunculus corms is straightforward if you follow a few key steps
When to Dig Up the Corms
Ranunculus bloom in spring and early summer. As temperatures climb in early summer, you’ll notice the flowers fading and the foliage yellowing – this signals the plants are going dormant.
Once the leaves have completely yellowed, it’s time to dig up the corms. Do this as soon as the plants are fully yellow and not green anymore, as voles and moles like to nibble on the corms.
Digging the corms in early to mid summer allows time for them to dry out before storing for winter. Waiting too long increases the risk of corm damage from pests.
How to Dig and Handle the Corms
Follow these steps when digging and handling ranunculus corms:
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Carefully dig up corms using a garden fork, trying to keep fibrous roots intact.
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Cut off foliage, leaving about 1 inch of stem attached to each corm.
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Rinse off excess soil and lay corms in a single layer on newspaper or screens.
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Place in a warm, well-ventilated spot out of direct sun to dry for 2-3 weeks.
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Turn the corms periodically to ensure even drying.
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When fully dry, corms will feel light and crispy to the touch.
Storing Corms Over Winter
Proper storage conditions are vital for getting ranunculus corms through winter in good health. Follow these tips:
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Ensure corms are completely dry before storage to prevent mold and rot.
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Place dried corms in breathable mesh or paper bags – avoid plastic.
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Label bags by variety and store in a cool spot around 40-50°F.
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The ideal storage temperature range is 32-55°F.
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Check periodically for mold or rotting corms and discard affected ones immediately.
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Keep corms in complete darkness to prevent premature sprouting.
Following this straightforward process will result in healthy ranunculus corms ready for replanting next spring!
Troubleshooting Storage Issues
Sometimes issues can pop up when storing ranunculus corms over winter. Here are some common problems and prevention tips:
Moldy Corms
If corms weren’t fully dry before storage, mold can occur. Discard affected corms right away and allow more drying time next season.
Rotting
Excess moisture during storage causes rotting. Use breathable storage bags in low humidity areas. Toss out any rotting corms as soon as noticed.
Rodent Damage
Mice or voles may nibble on stored corms. Place bags in rodent-proof bins or areas and use traps to control pests.
Premature Sprouting
Exposure to light and warmth can cause premature sprouting. Ensure complete darkness near 40°F during storage. Move to a cooler spot if sprouting begins.
Replanting Corms in Spring
After resting over winter, ranunculus corms are ready to be replanted in spring. Follow these tips:
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Start corms indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected spring frost.
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Plant corms pointy end up, 1-2 inches deep in quality potting mix.
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Grow at 60-65°F until sprouted, then transfer to a sunny, cool spot.
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Harden off and transplant to garden after all frost danger has passed.
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Plant corms 3-4 inches deep and 6 inches apart in fertile, well-drained soil.
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Water regularly, especially when buds form. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks.
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Enjoy a bountiful ranunculus bloom!
Saving ranunculus corms takes some time up front, but allows you to enjoy their fantastic flowers year after year. Follow these digging, drying, storing and replanting tips and you’ll have beautiful ranunculus for seasons to come.
When to Harvest Ranunculus
Ranunculus are best harvested in the “marshmallow” stage—when the bloom feels squishy, like a marshmallow, and the petals are just beginning to unfurl.
- For longer storage, harvest while the buds are still in the marshmallow stage.
- If the blooms will be used soon, they can be harvested slightly more open.
- Some growers prefer harvesting after blooms have opened and closed 2–3 times in the field, ensuring the flowers are fully mature.
- Best Timing: Harvest early in the morning or late in the evening when the flowers are most hydrated, reducing stress on the plants.
Wearables and Specialty Pieces
Ranunculus are fantastic for wearables like corsages, boutonnieres, floral crowns, or even dog collars for pet-friendly events. Their ability to hold up out of water for extended periods makes them perfect for these designs.
Pro Tip: Wire ranunculus heads for wearables to ensure they stay secure and don’t snap off during use.
How to Save Ranunculus Corms // Digging, Dividing, and Storing Ranunculus Corms
FAQ
Can I save ranunculus corms for next year?
Practical Tips for Overwintering Ranunculus Corms
Their tissue paper petals, exquisite rose form, and long vase life makes them a perfect cut flower. Although growing ranunculus requires more time and effort than the average flower, digging and storing the corms for subsequent years is quick and easy.
What do you do with ranunculus when finished flowering?
7. After blooming has finished for the season leave the foliage in place; don’t cut it off. The leaves will gather sunlight and provide nourishment for next year’s show. Water as needed during active growth periods. Ranunculus actually prefer not to be watered while dormant.
Where should Ranunculus corms be stored?
Ranunculus corms will store perfectly in a cool, dry spot in your house. A mouse-free place in a dry corner of your basement away from the furnace, or the same cool, dry place where you keep your garden seeds, is great. And there you go!
Can you save Ranunculus corms?
Saving ranunculus corms takes a little time and care up front, but the reward is years of exceptional flowers. Follow these tips for digging, drying, storing and replanting your corms, and you’ll be able to enjoy Ranunculus season after season.
When should I dig up Ranunculus corms?
When the temperatures drop below 40°F, or alternatively, when summer comes around, your Ranunculus plants will start to wither and dry up. At this point, you may want to consider digging up the corms to store and replant them later. That said, knowing the correct time to dig up Ranunculus corms is pretty important.
Do Ranunculus corms rot?
Additionally, the corms may rot if they sit in wet, cold soil over the winter. Once the plants have turned brown, dig up the corms and cut off the stems and dead foliage. Place the corms in a seed tray or crate and allow them to dry for a few days. If ranunculus corms are moist or wet during storage, they may succumb to mold or rot.
Are Ranunculus corms dormant?
Here is a complete guide to digging, drying and storing ranunculus corms for replanting next spring. Ranunculus bloom in spring and early summer. As temperatures climb in early summer, the flowers fade and the foliage starts to yellow. This is a sign that the plants are going dormant.
How often should a Ranunculus corm be replaced?
Remember to pop in once a month and inspect your corms. Look out for any signs of mold, rot, or unwelcome pests. If you spot a problematic corm, remove it promptly to ensure the others remain healthy. In essence, storing ranunculus corms is all about mimicking their natural dormant period.