If you’re not growing ranunculus flowers (Tecolote ranunculus) in your garden, you might consider giving it a go. These gorgeous bloomers have a rose-like appearance with layers of thin petals, straight stems, and frilly foliage. And the color range! Anywhere from white, cream and pale yellow to golden yellow, apricot, orange, red, and burgundy. Most gardeners, regardless of zone, can grow ranunculus — you simply have to understand what they like in order to be their blooming best.
Growing Requirements For Ranunculus Flowers
- Light: Full sun Temperature: 55° (think Southern California)
- Water: Light water at planting, then medium water when actively growing
- Soil: Light and well-drained
- USDA Hardiness Zones: Zones 4-7 (annuals), Zones 8-10 (perennials)
Kellogg Garden OrganicsAll Natural Garden Soil
**Product not available in AZ, CA, HI, NV, UT. For a comparable product in these states click here.
How to Plant Ranunculus Bulbs
Planting ranunculus couldn’t be any easier. They come as bulbs (or corms) and are typically mail-ordered or picked up at a garden center — look for large, healthy-looking bulbs that will grow and support large, healthy plants with lots of blooms.
Plant ranunculus bulbs 4” apart and about 2” deep with the “claw” side down in a location receiving full sun. Cover with soil and lightly water in. Now, leave it alone until you see signs of leaves sprouting — that’s right, no water! Then moderately water during active growth and blooming. (I told you this was easy, didn’t I?)
When blooms have finished, let the foliage yellow and wither before cutting back. And during this time, don’t water at all, as that could rot your bulbs.
Planting time? That depends upon where you live. If you’re in Zones 8-10, plant in the fall for spring blooms. Gardeners in Zones 4-7, plant in the spring for late summer bloom, and plan on treating them as annuals. Yes, I know you don’t want to plant annual bulbs — but come on, with flowers as gorgeous as these are (and which are so easy to plant), don’t you think it’s worth it?
How to Use Ranunculus Flowers
Because of their straight stems and medium-sized growth, ranunculus flowers are ideal for container plantings, borders, cutting gardens, and mixed perennial gardens. Want to use them in a cut flower arrangement? Here are some quick tips:
1. Cut the stems when buds are showing but aren’t yet open.
2. Remove the leaves from the lower part of the stem.
3. Re-cut the bottoms of the stems after you go inside, and place them in a vase of water immediately.
4. Change water every other day to enjoy beautiful cut ranunculus flowers for up to 10 days.
Find the perfect bulbs at your local garden center and bring vibrant blooms to your garden this season. Find Kellogg products near you and get working on your garden today!
