About Butterfly Ranunculus
Butterfly Ranunculus (Ranunculus asiaticus Butterfly series) is the newest darling of the cut flower world—it’s a refined, florist-favorite variety known for its elegant, multi-layered blooms with an iridescent subtle shimmer, like a butterfly’s wing. Unlike the traditional ranunculus with dense, layered petals, butterfly ranunculus petals are flatter, thinner and have a soft, silky texture. The Butterfly series can carry 12 to 15 flowers on a single stem with airy, semi-double petals providing an exceptionally long vase life. These plants are cool-season bloomers, perfect for early spring arrangements and cottage-style gardens. They are becoming increasingly popular in gardening due to their uniquely whimsical, relaxed, yet high-end look. Their delicate beauty belies a surprisingly hardy and productive plant.
If you have planted ranunculus corms before, then you are in luck! You will notice the similarities when planting the Ranunculus Butterfly series, with just a few notable differences: To begin with, Butterfly corms tend to be larger and more robust than those of traditional ranunculus. Plan for slightly more planting space per corm and expect more vigorous growth as well. Next, Ranunculus Butterfly produces multiple flowers on a single stem, which makes them both beautiful and heavy. Plan on bringing in support like stakes or netting to keep them upright. Ranunculus Butterfly also takes longer to mature, so planting should occur earlier than standard varieties.
When to Plant Butterfly Ranunculus Bulbs
To get a head start, soak and pre-sprout these bulbs (corms) indoors two to three weeks before planting outdoors.
In warmer zones 8 through 10, plant butterfly ranunculus in fall, anytime between October and December after daytime temperatures have dropped below 80°F. Blooms will arrive in late winter and early spring.
In cooler zones 4 through 7, plant these corms indoors, or as early as possible in early spring, once the threat of hard frost is over. This may be weeks before the last official frost of the season. Ranunculus need cooler temperatures to sprout and bloom and if you have waited too late to plant, the plants can go dormant and never grow.
Where to Plant Butterfly Ranunculus Bulbs
Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged areas, ranunculus bulbs are prone to rot. This variety is ideal for raised beds, borders, and containers. Plant in a sheltered area if spring winds or heavy rains are common in your region. Because so many flowers are produced on each stem, they may require netting or staking that should be spaced out and ready prior to planting.
Amend your area with compost and organic fertilizer. Add some bone meal for calcium, which will make the stems stronger once spring arrives.
How to Plant Butterfly Ranunculus Bulbs
Pre-soak corms in lukewarm water for three to four hours to help them plump up. Change the water a few times during this process. Pre-sprouting the bulbs is optional but recommended: place soaked corms in a tray with drainage holes and cover lightly with moist potting mix or vermiculite. Store at 45°F for 10 to 14 days in a cool, dark place.
After the soak and pre-sprouting period, plant corms claw-side down about one to two inches deep and 12 inches apart. Water lightly after planting and keep soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
Night temperatures of 50°F or cooler is ideal. Nights warmer than 55°F can cause leaf yellowing and plants to go dormant. Cool nights are very important, while day time temps can reach up to 60°F to 75°F.
How to Care for Butterfly Ranunculus
Water regularly during the growing season, preferably with a drip system, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Water as needed during active growth periods.
Ranunculus do not like warm weather! Long periods of warmer soil temperatures will trigger the plant to die back into dormancy, just like a warm spring would.
Plants will flower about 90 days after planting. Cut stems for bouquet making when the buds are just starting to show color. Flowers will continue to open after they have been cut. Cut flowers in the morning, all the way down at the soil level. Butterfly ranunculus can exceed 10 days in the vase!
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. After flowering, allow foliage to yellow and die back naturally to feed the corms for next season. In colder zones, lift and store corms in a cool, dry place after the foliage has died back, or treat them as annuals.