Ranunculus Growing Guide

Ranunculus are the epitome of spring beauty—their layered, rose-like petals and long vase life make them a favorite among gardeners and florists alike. With a little care, they reward you with an abundance of elegant, romantic blooms.

When to Plant

Ranunculus thrive in cool weather and prefer full sun.

  • Zones 7 and warmer: Plant in fall. Protect with frost cloth or a low tunnel to overwinter.

  • Zones 6b and colder: Pre-sprout and plant in late winter or early spring.

  • Protect corms and plants from temperatures below 25°F (−4°C) to prevent freeze damage. Prolonged exposure below this threshold can kill ranunculus plants and may freeze the corms, making them highly susceptible to rot once they thaw.

Soaking & Pre-Sprouting Corms

When you first unpack your corms, they’ll look like small, dried octopuses—don’t worry, they’re just waiting to come alive.

  1. Soak corms in room-temperature water for 3–4 hours, until they are plump and firm. Avoid oversoaking—corms can rot.

  2. Pre-sprout for stronger plants and earlier blooms:

    • Place soaked corms in a shallow tray of damp potting soil or vermiculite.

    • Cover lightly with soil.

    • Store at 40–50°F (4–10°C) for 10–14 days.

    • Check every few days to maintain moisture and remove any moldy corms.

  3. When little white rootlets form, they’re ready to plant.

Preparing the Soil

Ranunculus thrive in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Before planting:

  • Work in 2–3 inches of compost.

  • Add a balanced organic fertilizer (such as 7-2-4).

  • Gently loosen the soil to encourage healthy root growth.

Planting

  • Plant 2–3 inches deep, with the claws pointing down.

  • Space 6–9 inches apart.

  • Water well after planting.

  • Cover with frost cloth or grow in a tunnel during hard freezes.

Growing On

  • Keep soil consistently moist, but never soggy.

  • Protect from extreme cold with row cover.

  • Fall plantings bloom in early spring; spring plantings bloom in mid-spring.

  • Regular deadheading encourages more blooms.

Harvesting

For the longest vase life (10–12 days):

  • Harvest at the “marshmallow stage”—when buds are soft and colored but not yet fully open.

  • Strip lower foliage before placing in water.

  • If harvested fully open, they’ll still last a week but will be more delicate.

Storing Corms

  • Store unused corms in their bags in a cool, dry place.

  • In cold climates, treat ranunculus like annuals and replant each year.

  • In Zones 7 and warmer, they may overwinter and return—though this varies with winter conditions and drainage.

✨ Ranunculus reward a little extra effort with breathtaking spring displays. They are resilient, romantic, and endlessly rewarding.