When to Plant Ranunculus Bulbs
Ranunculus bulbs perform best in regions with mild winters and long, cool springs. Fall is the ideal planting time in such areas. We recommend that gardeners in zones 8 through 10 plant ranunculus bulbs in autumn for blooms in late winter and early spring. Gardeners with colder winters in zones 2 through 7 should plant in late winter/early spring, once the threat of hard frost is over. Your blooms will appear in late spring/early summer. Ranunculus bulbs are one of the rare varieties that can be stored. If you aren’t ready to plant the bulbs when you receive them, simply keep your bulbs in the shipping bag at room temperature and out of direct sunlight for up to eight months.
Where to Plant Ranunculus Bulbs
For container planting, select a container that’s large enough to accommodate the full-grown plant. Ensure there are adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Choose a spot for your container that receives full sun for at least 6 hours a day. When the danger of hard frost has passed, place the container in full sun all day. Of course, you may always plant in prepared beds. Just follow the directions below.
How to Plant Ranunculus Bulbs
Before planting, soak your bulbs for a two to three hours in lukewarm water. DO NOT OVERSOAK. Choose well-draining soil with full sun exposure. Dig holes that allow you to plant the ranunculus 2 to 3 inches deep, and 6 to 9 inches apart. Make sure that the “pointed” ends are facing downward. After planting, gently soak the soil.
Pre-sprouting ranunculus will allow your corms to bloom a few weeks earlier than normal. Soak corms in room-temperature water for three to four hours. Fill a flat-bottomed seed tray half-way with moist potting soil. Place corms in the tray and cover with more soil. Move the tray into an area that has consistent temperatures of 40 to 50°F for two weeks. Check the corms every three to four days to ensure the soil is moist, and remove any corms that show signs of rotting or molding. Once rootlets appear, it’s time to plant!
How to Care for Ranunculus
Leave the foliage in place once blooming has ended for the season. The leaves will continue to gather sunlight and strengthen the bulbs for future seasons. Leaves will yellow and die back as the plant goes dormant. Foliage may be removed at this point.
How to Store Ranunculus Bulbs
If you are not ready to plant the dried corms, store them in this bag out of direct sunlight at room temperature for up to eight months. If you have lifted the corms from the ground, store tubers in dry moss, such as peat, in a mesh bag. Mesh onion bags are a great storing option for any bulb or tuber.
