Ranunculus Planting Instructions

Planting instructions depend on two variables; USDA hardiness zone and whether the flowers are being planted for cut flower production or landscaping purposes.  Instructions are included for both!

 

The ranunculus corm looks like a dried up, tiny octopus, but they are prolific producers of rose-like blooms.  Corms will need to be soaked in tap water for 3-4 hours, in which they will double in size.  This soaking process wakes up the corms. Corms can be pre-sprouted in trays, which will give them a few weeks of a head start.  If not pre-sprouting, plant directly in the ground.  Many growers pre sprout indoors to make sure all corms are viable as to not waste any space in their garden beds.

 

USDA Hardiness Zones 7 and above- Corms can be planted outside in fall with minimal protection (frost cloth or low tunnel).  Consider using both on nights when temperatures are below 25 degrees.

 

USDA Hardiness Zones 6 and below- Corms can be started indoors in late winter (planted in a hoop or low tunnel), or they may be started indoors and planted out about a month before the last frost (ensure that the threat of deep freezing has passed).  If temps will be below freezing, cover with a layer of frost cloth.  At Vail Family Farm (zone 6b) we plant in October, but it is a full-time job growing these beauties through the winter.  Only do this if you're prepared to provide protection with high quality frost cloth and plastic.  We grow our corms in a high tunnel and water until the lines freeze, which is usually in December.  Otherwise, the 

 

Cut flowers:

 

Plant corms tentacle side down in well-draining soil.  Too much moisture can cause ranunculus to rot.  Wait until you have good green growth to water. Plants should be spaced 6 inches apart and 2-3 inches deep.  You can expect 5-7 stems per corm. 

 

Landscape:

 

Corms can be planted at desired distance in well-drained soil. 

 

Corms planted in fall will bloom in early spring for 4-6 weeks.  Corms planted in spring will bloom in mid to late spring and will flower for 4-6 weeks.  Once temperatures reach higher than 80 degrees Fahrenheit on a steady basis, the ranunculus will stop blooming. 

Corms will multiply underground, and they can be saved for the next season.  Store in a cool, dry place such as a basement or cellar.

 

If you are waiting to plant until spring, simply store the corms in a cool, dry place in the bag they arrived in. Follow along on Instagram or Facebook stories, and I will walk you through the entire planting process.  Please let me know if you have any questions, and if I can do anything for you.

 

I sincerely thank you for the support of our “budding” flower farm. 

 

Xoxo,

 

Ashley- Vail Family Farm