Butter Cress, Persian Buttercup, Crowfoot, Figwort, Spearwort
| When to Plant: | |
| Fall or Spring; Zone dependent |
| Blooms: | |
| Late Winter to Early Spring |
| Light Requirements: | |
| Full Sun |
| Plant Height: | ||
| 12-24" | ||
| Hardiness Zones: | |
| Grow as Perennial in zones 8-10. Grow as Annual elsewhere. Find Your Zone |
| Planting Depth: | |
| 2-3" |
| Plant Spacing: | |
| 3-4" |
| Plant Type: | |
| Corm |
These beauties resemble tissue roses. The sheer petals overlap to form a tightly packed rosette in tones of red, white, yellow, pink and orange.
Ranunculus are a favorite of florists and not often seen in home gardens. Each bulb produces several flowers on straight stems with parsley-like leaves.
Ranunculus blooms continuously for 5 to 6 weeks. Plant with poppies and anemone for a continuous display of vibrant color.
Plant Ranunculus in zones 8-10 in the fall. Plant Ranunculus in zones 3-7 in the spring after all danger of frost has passed.
Before planting, soak the corms in lukewarm water 3-4 hours to jump start development. Plant in a full sun location.
Ranunculus loves soil that is rich, porous and drains well but still holds enough water for the roots. Ranunculus does not like wet, moist areas. If your soil is heavy clay and drains slowly, or very sandy and does not hold water, add organic soil amendments like peat moss or ground bark. Spread a 3-4 inch layer of soil amendment if needed, add fertilizer and incorporate into the soil to a depth of 10 inches.
Plant in groups with corms spaced 3-4" apart for the best show. Ranunculus corms should be planted 2-3" deep. Water thoroughly at planting. Water regularly while growing and in bloom so that water will reach the roots. Mulch to keep the soil cool and to prevent the soil from drying out.
Dig, dry, clean and store in a dry, cool place at 40-50ºF to over winter in non-hardy zones.
Ranunculus prefer to be planted in light, well-drained soil. Root rot can occur in wet, poorly drained soils.
In zones where ranunculus are not winter hardy, they are planted in spring for blooms late summer. In climates such as these, ranunculus are best planted in containers to ensure proper drainage and care.
Ranunculus are not fans of high temperatures making cool, coastal conditions ideal growing environments.
