Once seedlings have four sets of true leaves, they are ready to be moved outside as long as all danger of frost has passed. Keep them moist and out of direct sunlight. After germination, maintain seedlings indoors at about 55☏ (13☌).It will take 20 to 30 days for germination to occur. Maintain soil temperature at 50☏ (10☌).Sow Ranunculus seeds in a lightweight, peat-based seed-starting mix in late winter.As long as the soil retains some moisture, do not water them again until new growth appears, usually within 15 to 20 days, to avoid rot. Cover the corms with soil and water as needed.Avoid overcrowding the plants, and always make sure you provide good air circulation in and around the plants.Ranunculus adapt easily to container life: you may plant the corms about 6 in.apart (10-15 cm) with the claw side down. It is advisable to soak the corms for 1-4 hours before you plant them or water them well when planting.Ranunculus do not tolerate wet or soggy soil, which can lead to rotting. Good drainage is absolutely essential for success. Ranunculus thrive in moderately moist, sandy, or loamy, well-drained soils.Provide some afternoon shade in hot climates. It typically takes about 90 days from planting to flowering, depending on weather conditions and variety.Ranunculus may be started indoors as early as 12 weeks before the average last frost date (for earlier blooms).In colder areas (zone 7 and below), the best time to plant Ranunculus corms outdoors is in late winter or early spring after the danger of frost has passed.In hardiness zones 8-11, where temperatures do not drop below 10☏ (-12 C), the best time to plant Ranunculus corms outdoors is in the fall.A jumbo corm will produce up to 35 flowers, while a number 1 corm will produce up to 20 flowers, a number 2 corm will produce up to 12 flowers, and a number 3 corm will produce up to 7 flowers.

The larger the corm, the bigger the plant and the more spectacular the flowers. The size of the corms is highly correlated to the number of flowers per plant.Choose Ranunculus bulbs (corms) that are large, firm, and plump.

Growing Ranunculus Choose The Right Corms

Ranunculus are poisonous to animals (cats, dogs, horses) and humans.

A single Ranunculus plant may produce as many as 35 flowers in one blooming season.

Ranunculus bloom for about 4-7 weeks in late spring to early summer in cold climates (planted in spring) or in early-mid spring in mild climates (planted in fall).Prized by flower shops, they are a favorite in wedding bouquets. Terrific as fresh cut flowers, they make magnificent bouquets with a vase life of up to 7 days. Whether treated as perennials or annuals, Ranunculus add brilliance to pots and containers and can be planted in the garden in flower beds and borders.Not sure about your growing zone? Check here.

In these cold climates, Ranunculus corms can be planted in late winter or very early spring for early summer flowers.

If you live in colder areas (zone 7 and below), either you grow Ranunculus as annuals and leave them in the ground, or you save your corms for next spring, dig them up before the first frost and store them over winter before replanting them next spring.

In these mild climates, Ranunculus corms can be planted in the fall for spring flowers.

Ranunculus are winter hardy perennials in growing zones 8-11 and will come back year after year.

They perform best where winters are relatively mild, and springs are long and cool. Any one of them will look great in any place in your garden.

Popular hybrid strains are 'Aviv' (grows 12-16 in.

The blossoms are borne atop sturdy stems above a lush foliage of finely-cut, fern-like leaves. tall (30-60 cm) and sport exquisite rose-like flowers packed with tissue-thin petals. across (5-12 cm), in a wide array of colors ranging from pink, red, and purple to cream, pale yellow, and orange. Native to the Mediterranean region, southwestern Asia, and southeastern Europe, it bears large, lushly petaled flowers, 2-5 in.

Among them is the popular Florist Buttercup, Ranunculus asiaticus, commonly known as Persian Buttercup.

Ranunculus is a large genus of about 600 species of flowering plants in the Ranunculaceae family, which includes buttercups, spearworts, and water crowfoots.

Easy to grow if some rules are followed, Ranunculus boast long-lasting, single, double, or frilled, exquisite blossoms in a rainbow of gorgeous colors. Adored by florists and gardeners, Ranunculus asiaticus (Persian Buttercup) is a tuberous perennial boasting brilliantly colored flowers adorned with multiple layers of delicate, crepe paper-thin petals.

Persian buttercup ranunculus