How to Grow and Care for Ranunculus Flowers

Ranunculus spp.

With their lush, tissue-like petals and vivid colors, ranunculus (Ranunculus spp.) flowers look like they belong in a still-life painting.

In spite of their delicate appearance, ranunculus are remarkably easy to grow, provided they have the right conditions.

The Ranunculus genus is enormous, containing over 400 species of herbaceous perennials or annuals found all around the world.

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Many species grow in meadows, marshes, or alpine zones, and some are considered wildflowers or even weeds.

But a few cultivated species have become stars in ornamental gardens – notably R. asiaticus, the Persian buttercup, native to the eastern Mediterranean region including parts of southwestern Asia and northeastern Africa.

These garden favorites bear layered blooms that resemble those of peonies or roses and are available in nearly every color except true blue.

Their graceful form and bold hues has made them popular with florists and home gardeners alike, often grown for spring displays or cut flower arrangements.

Are you ready to add ranunculus flowers to your garden? Here’s what we’ll cover in this guide:

These showy ornamentals are typically grown from odd-looking, claw-like little corms. These are not true corms, but are more accurately described as tuberous roots.

They’re best suited to mild climates and are usually planted in the fall in USDA Zones 8 to 11, where they grow through the cooler months and bloom in spring – lasting up to seven weeks.

In colder climates, gardeners can grow them as annuals, planting in early spring for late spring and early summer color.

The diverse forms within the Ranunculus genus mean there’s a type for nearly every landscape style – whether you’re aiming for cottage garden charm, formal elegance, or whimsical wildflower beds.

R. asiaticus and its cultivated varieties are perfect in borders and beds, but they also shine in patio pots and window boxes.

Ranunculus foliage is delicate and fern-like, emerging in tidy mounds of finely divided, bright green leaves.

Above this foliage rise strong, hollow flower stems topped with blooms that can reach up to four inches across.

The flowers themselves are densely layered, almost sculptural in form, and come in a nearly endless array of colors with shades of pink, red, yellow, orange, cream, and white being the most common.

Mature plants typically reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread about six to 12 inches wide, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

Others, like the lesser celandine (R. ficaria), are prized for early-season color but can become invasive in some areas.

It’s worth checking with your local extension office before planting if you want to grow a species other than R. asiaticus and its cultivars.

How to Grow

Ranunculus flowers may look delicate, but they’re surprisingly easy to cultivate if you meet a few basic requirements.

These plants need full sun, fertile soil that drains well, and consistent moisture throughout their growing period. Here’s how to give them the best possible start.

Light

Ranunculus thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.

In hotter climates, they can benefit from some afternoon shade to prevent overheating.

Temperature

Ranunculus thrives in cool conditions: daytime temperatures between 55 and 75°F, and nighttime between 40 and 50°F are optimal.

To extend flowering as long as possible, provide afternoon shade or use shade cloths to shield the plants from intense heat.

Soil

These plants prefer rich, well-draining soil with a light, loamy texture, and a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.

They are particularly sensitive to excess moisture, especially during their active growing period, in the cooler months in warm climates and early spring in colder regions.

Good drainage is critical to prevent issues like root or crown rot.

To improve your soil, work in several inches of well-rotted compost or aged manure before planting. This boosts fertility and helps break up compacted or heavy soils.

If drainage is a concern, consider using raised beds or planting in mounded rows.

In dense soils, mixing in some coarse sand or perlite can also help lighten the structure and reduce the risk of waterlogging.

Water

Maintain consistent moisture during the growing season and blooming period, but avoid allowing the soil to become soggy.

Aim to keep it feeling like a well-wrung-out sponge, moist to the touch but not saturated.

Check the soil with your finger and if it’s dry to an inch down, you can add water. Or use a moisture meter to guide you.

In containers, be especially attentive – the soil in pots typically dries out more quickly than in the garden.

Fertilizing

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time to support early root and shoot development.

Supplement with a water-soluble or liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks to encourage vigorous foliage and abundant blooms.

A balanced formula such as 5-5-5 (NPK) or one that is slightly higher in phosphorus, like 5-10-5, is ideal during the flowering period.

I like to use fish emulsion or seaweed extract on many of my flowers, including ranunculus.

Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer

You can find Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer, with an NPK ratio of 2-4-1, available from Arbico Organics in a variety of sizes to suit your needs.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid overfertilizing, which can lead to excessive leafy growth at the expense of flowers.

For container-grown plants, regular feeding is even more important, as nutrients can leach out quickly with frequent watering.

Winter Care

In USDA Zones 8 and up ranunculus corms can typically be left in the ground year-round.

After blooming finishes allow the foliage to die back naturally. When the leaves have turned yellow and withered, you can trim them back to soil level.

Avoid watering after the plant enters dormancy to prevent rot.

When they are dry, store the corms in a paper bag filled with dry peat moss or sawdust, and place them in a cool, dry, dark location where temperatures stay between 40 and 50°F.

Properly stored, the corms can be replanted the following season for another round of vibrant blooms.

Cultivars to Select

R. asiaticus offers a stunning array of color variations, from soft pastels to saturated jewel tones.

Whether you’re creating a cottage-style display or a punchy modern border, you’ll find a hue to suit your design.

Popular options include rich reds, lemony yellows, and delicate pinks.

Red Ranunculus

You can find pink, yellow, and red ranunculus available at Nature Hills Nursery.

Or if you can’t choose, why not try a mix?

Ranunculus Asiaticus Mix features a variety of different single and double flowers in a mixture of colors.

Ranunculus Asiaticus Mix

Packets of 20 corms are available from Burpee.

Here are some notable cultivars that showcase the diversity and beauty of this species:

Purple Sensation

‘Purple Sensation’ features velvety, deep purple blooms.

The double flowers are layered with delicate petals, creating a lush, full appearance. This cultivar is ideal for borders, containers, and cut flower arrangements.

‘Purple Sensation’

You can find ‘Purple Sensation’ available at Burpee in packets of 10 corms.

Picotee

Picotee varieties display petals outlined with a contrasting color, creating a striking two-tone effect that adds depth and visual interest.

Double Picotee® showcases white to cream petals delicately edged with magenta, offering a striking visual contrast.

Picotee

These are excellent for adding a touch of elegance to garden beds or floral arrangements.

You can find Double Picotee available at Nature Hills Nursery.

Tangerine

Part of the Bloomingdale series of hybrids, ‘Tangerine’ features vibrant double orange blooms that add a warm, cheerful touch to any garden.

The compact plants grow to about eight to 10 inches tall, making them suitable for container gardening or front-of-border placements.

‘Tangerine’

You can find ‘Tangerine’ available at Nature Hills Nursery.

Propagation

Ranunculus can be propagated by planting corms – or tuberous roots – or sowing seed. Most gardeners get started with purchased corms.

Starting from seed can be time consuming and note that seeds collected from hybrids may not grow true to the parent plant.

Planting Corms

In Zones 8 to 11, plant corms in the fall so they can grow through the winter and bloom in early spring.

If you’re gardening in Zones 7 and below, wait until late winter or early spring to plant, Aim to put them in the ground about two weeks before your last expected frost date.

Spring-planted corms will bloom in late spring or early summer.

To plant:

1. Soak corms in room temperature water for four to six hours to rehydrate them.
2. Plant the corms about two inches deep, the “claws” facing downward, spaced four to six inches apart.
3. Water the area thoroughly after planting and maintain evenly moist, but not soggy, soil.

Growth typically begins within a few weeks, and flowers appear in about 90 days under ideal conditions.

From Seed

Seed propagation takes longer and results can be less consistent. To propagate ranunculus from seed:

1. Sow seeds indoors about 12 weeks before the last frost.
2. Prepare pots or a seed-starting tray with potting mix, and moisten lightly.
3. Press the seeds lightly into the seed-starting mix and set them in a location that maintains a temperature of above 50°F.
4. Set the tray or pots on a windowsill or under grow lights, as the seeds need light to germinate.
5. Germination can take 20 to 30 days. When seedlings have at least two sets of true leaves, you can harden them off and transplant them into the garden.

Keep young plants well-watered. Seed-grown ranunculus may take an additional season to bloom compared to those grown from corms.

Pests and Disease

Pests

While ranunculus doesn’t attract a wide array of insects, a few pests can become problematic under the right conditions.

Fortunately, most problems can be managed without resorting to harsh chemicals.

Introducing and attracting beneficial insects, maintaining good garden hygiene, and using products such as neem oil or insecticidal soap usually provide effective control.

Aphids

Aphids are among the most common offenders.

These tiny, soft-bodied insects cluster on tender new growth, sucking out plant juices and leaving behind sticky honeydew that can lead to secondary fungal infections.

If left unchecked, aphids can distort buds and stunt overall growth.

You can learn about how to deal with aphids here.

Slugs and Snails

Slugs and snails love moist, shady environments and often appear during rainy spells.

These pests chew large, ragged holes in leaves and can destroy young seedlings overnight.

Our guide to slugs and snails has all the details about how to control these pesky gastropods.

Spider Mites

Spider mites may be an issue in hot, dry conditions. These nearly invisible arachnids cause stippling on leaves.

Though you won’t see the pests themselves, you’ll notice their fine webbing. Affected leaves may yellow and drop prematurely.

Learn more about spider mites here.

Disease

Though not disease-prone by nature, ranunculus can develop a number of fungal or bacterial problems when conditions are too wet or crowded.

Botrytis blight, or gray mold, may affect flowers and foliage, especially during prolonged damp periods.

It produces fuzzy gray growth and can cause buds to rot before they open. Prompt removal of infected material and improving air circulation can help limit the spread.

Powdery mildew is another common fungal issue, particularly when airflow is lacking. It starts as small, dusty spots on the undersides of leaves and can quickly spread across the entire plant.

While not usually fatal, it can reduce the plant’s vigor and bloom production.

Improving airflow and avoiding overhead watering go a long way towards preventing this condition.

Our guide to powdery mildew offers a number of natural remedies.

Best Uses

Ranunculus flowers are ideal for ornamental beds and borders, where they provide bold spring color.

The full, layered blooms lend elegance to formal displays but are just as at home in relaxed cottage gardens.

Thanks to their long, sturdy stems and vibrant hues, ranunculus are prized as cut flowers.

Wrap Up Your Spring with Ranunculus

Ranunculus plants deliver bold seasonal color with minimal effort, provided you avoid waterlogged conditions.

Whether you’re planting them in cutting beds or mixed borders, the compact plants pack a colorful punch in a range of gorgeous hues. 

Are you growing ranunculus? Let us know in the comments section below!

And for more information about growing flowers in your landscape, check out these guides next: