How to Start Ranunculus Bulbs
Ranunculus bulbs are strange-looking flower bulbs that look more dead than alive when you receive them. They are often said to resemble a bunch of bananas, only in miniature size. From these different bulbs come spectacular flowers. The ranunculus is hardy in zones 8 and above. If you live in zones 4 through 7, plant the bulbs early in the spring, after all threat of frost has passed, and you will have to plant them every year. The bulbs may be slow to germinate, taking two to three weeks, and they grow slowly for the first two months. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Find a location that has full sun and well-draining soil. If the soil puddles after a five-hour rain, you will need to find another location or amend the soil by mixing in organic material such as peat moss, compost, ground bark or decomposed manure.
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Dig holes for the ranunculus. Make the holes 2 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches apart.
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Plant one ranunculus bulb in each hole. To figure out the top from the bottom, look at the bulb as though it is a bunch of bananas. The part where the bananas are pointing down goes into the hole first.
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Cover the ranunculus bulbs with soil, and water them thoroughly. Watch for roots and sprouts to form in the fall. They will grow taller during the winter, and in the spring the flowers will develop.
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After the ranunculus has finished blooming, do not cut off the leaves. The plants need the leaves to gather sunlight and provide nourishment for next season's flowers.
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Tips & Warnings
Cut the flowers for arrangements in the spring. This will encourage more blooms to set on.
Do not water much during the dormancy period. You may cut the foliage when the leaves die back.
References
- Photo Credit asiatic ranunculus flowers image by Chad McDermott from Fotolia.com
