Ranunculus Planting Tips

Thank you for your support of our family flower farm! Happy planting!

Temperature considerations

Ranunculus prefer cooler weather (60s-70s), but need to be protected from temperatures that drop below 30 degrees. If planting out in April or May, keep an eye on the temperatures. Young plants can be exposed to the sun and wind, as long as the temperatures are above freezing. If the temperature looks like it may drop below freezing, we recommend that you cover the plants with frost cloth or a blanket until the temperatures rise above 30 degrees. Once summer humidity hits, they will stop growing and will begin to die back. (Corms can be dug up and resue

Light

For your best bloom rates, ranunculus should be planted in an area that receives full sun or at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Less sunlight may result in fewer blooms and less sturdy stems.

Soil preparation

Fold in fresh compost prior to planting your ranunculus plants to produce beautiful blooms.

Soil should be well-drained, rich, and loamy prior to planting. (If you’re planting in clay, the roots could be overwhelmed by water and rot.

Dig a hole deep enough to cover the top of the plant’s root ball (depth may vary but it’s likely around 3”).

Water

Keep the soil surrounding the plant moist but not wet. Continue watering as the foliage and flowers appear. Once the flowers stop to bloom and foliage yellows (deeper into spring/summer), slow your watering schedule, especially if you plan to dig up the corms and store them for next year.

To enjoy your blooms as cut flower

Ranunculus can last indoors, as a cut flower, for up to 10 days after harvesting. You can cut your stems–deep at the base to promote further growth–the day you notice color in the buds. The buds will feel like squishy marshmallows at this point. When cut at this stage, ranunculus stems can have a vase life of 10-12 days; vase life can be extended if you refresh waters sustaining cut flowers every other day, and if you cut the stems about 1/4” twice a week.

We recommend cutting in the early mornings, when they’ve benefited from moisture overnight

Enjoy and let us know if you have any questions! We’re happy to be of any help!