Growing Guide • Ranunculus

Ranunculus are renowned for their stunning, layered blooms and vibrant colors, making them a top choice for cut flower arrangements. Their rich, full petals and diverse hues add elegance and texture to any bouquet. Ideal for florists and home gardeners alike, ranunculus offer long-lasting beauty and are perfect for creating striking, seasonal arrangements. At Maple Street Farmstand, our selection of ranunculus is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their cut flower collection with these exquisite blooms.

plant life cycle

Lifecycle

Annual

planting season

Planting Season

Succession Planting, Late Winter

plating depth

Planting Depth

2 to 3 inches

germination time

Germination

14 to 21 Days

water needs

Water Needs

Average

light needs

Light Needs

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Time to Bloom

60 to 90 days

Harvest Season

Late Spring - Early Summer

    • Timing: Start ranunculus corms indoors about 8 to 10 weeks before the last expected frost. This timing allows for an early start and optimal growth before moving outdoors.

    • Process: Soak the corms in water for 2-4 hours to encourage sprouting. Plant them in soil blocks or pots with a well-draining mix, keeping them under grow lights to provide consistent light and warmth.

    • Conditions: Maintain a temperature of 55-65°F (13-18°C) and ensure consistent moisture. Germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks.

    • Timing: After the initial indoor growing phase, move the corms to an unheated greenhouse around 4-6 weeks before the last frost. This will help harden them off and acclimate them to outdoor conditions.

    • Conditions: Provide light and monitor temperatures, ensuring they stay within the range that avoids freezing but still allows for cool growth. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

    • Timing: Transplant the corms outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked and all danger of frost has passed, usually around mid to late spring.

    • Conditions: Choose a well-draining, sunny location for planting. Space the corms 6-8 inches apart to allow for adequate growth. Mulch to maintain soil moisture and regulate temperature.

  • For continuous blooms, stagger additional plantings every 2-3 weeks starting from mid to late winter, using indoor lights and unheated greenhouse space as needed. This will ensure a steady supply of cut flowers throughout the season.

Summary of Staggered Bloom Plan

Group 1: Indoor Sowing

  • Sow: 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost.

  • Transplant: Move to an unheated greenhouse 4-6 weeks before the last frost, then to outdoor space after the last frost.

  • Bloom Time: 60-90 days from sowing, typically early to mid-summer.

Group 2: Indoor Sowing

  • Sow: 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost.

  • Transplant: Move to an unheated greenhouse 2-4 weeks before the last frost, then transplant outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.

  • Bloom Time: 60-90 days from sowing, with blooms appearing mid to late summer.

Group 3: Direct Sowing in Unheated Greenhouse

  • Sow: 4-6 weeks before the last frost.

  • Transplant: Move outdoors after the last frost.

  • Bloom Time: 60-90 days from sowing, with blooms expected in mid to late summer.

Group 4: Direct Sowing Outdoors

  • Sow: After the last frost, typically in late spring.

  • Bloom Time: 60-90 days from sowing, with blooms appearing in late summer.