They are most commonly grown in Western and Southern states where the winters are mild.
Some species flourish next to ponds or streams and serve to accentgarden water featureson your property.
Ranunculus also grows well in containers for patios or other seating areas.
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The leaves of all species of ranunculus are toxic to humans,dogs, cats, and horseswhen ingested.
ensure to place these plants away from curious pets and small children.
How and When to Plant Ranunculus
Ranunculus corms can be purchased at local garden centers or online.
Credit:MARTIN BALDWIN
When and how you plant the flowers depends on where you are located.
These flowers do not enjoy intense heat and are better planted in cool areas.
The plants bloom approximately 90 days after the corms are planted.
In either case, plant the corms 2 inches deep inwell-draining soil.
Expect the ranunculus to stop blooming when temperatures reach 80F.
Indoors
Prepare indoor container-grown ranunculus in the fall.
Soak the corms for four to six hours before planting them in a pot.
Use a high quality potting mix with good drainage to fill the pot a few inches from the top.
Place the pots near a bright grow light with sufficient airflow to prevent the growth of gray mold.
Light
Hardy perennial ranunculus should be planted in full sun or partial shade.
If they are planted in full shade, they will not flower.
Stop watering when the plant becomes dormant in the fall and stops producing flowers.
Ranunculus plants can’t handle freezing temperatures.
Grow ranunculus in average humidity.
High humidity increases the chances of fungal infections.
Plants that grow in meadows or along ponds and streams do not need feeding.
Potting and Repotting
Ranunculus plants grow well in containers as long as thecontainer offers excellent drainage.
Soak the corms for three to four hours and place them in the container with their claws facing downward.
Cover with an additional 2 inches of potting soil.
Water the container and place it in a location with a temperature of about 60F.
No light is necessary until foliage appears.
Repotting isn’t necessary for ranunculus plantsgrown as annuals.
However, those grown in containers as perennials will spread and eventually outgrow their containers.
In that case, repot in a larger container using fresh potting medium, ordivide the plantsand repot.
Pests and Problems
Ranunculus plants can suffer from powdery mildew, gray mold, and aphids.
To prevent this, ensure the ranunculus plants are well watered and located in at least partial sun.
Remove any affected foliage.
Discard any affected foliage, flowers, or stems.
Aphids are common garden insectsthat can be treated with insecticidal soap orneem oil.
How to Propagate Ranunculus
The easiest way to propagate ranunculus is by division.
In time, each ranunculus corm will multiply to several corms.
Here’s how to propagate successfully.
MARTIN BALDWIN
Types of Ranunculus
There are hundreds of types of ranunculus.
Some varieties are more heat tolerant, and others better able to handle a little cold.
They handle heat a little better than other varieties, and bloom a bit later in the season.
Excellent cut flowers, they last particularly long in a vase.
The golden yellow flowers grow in patches, with each individual flower reasonably petite.
‘Flore Pleno’ grows 12 feet tall and wide.
Alpine buttercup grows to 8 inches tall and wide.
When planted in the garden, it blooms from late spring to mid summer.
They look great in flower beds and containers and are frequently used in wedding bouquets orvase arrangements.
Persian buttercup grows 12 feet tall and wide.
Each stem typically produces many flowers, which are prized for their long vase life.
This Italian variety is fairly tough and very productive, turning out an exceptional number of flowers per plant.
Get a head start on spring flowers by pre-sprouting the corms.
Add more potting soil to cover the corms completely.
Place the tray in a cool (about 50F) place for two weeks.
Ranunculus look stunning when planted in mass on their own in a cutting garden bed.
NC State Extension
Buttercup.
