Ranunculus

These dreamy, almost surreal blooms are all the rage with florists and cutflower enthusiasts, and the hype is not undeserved. The large highly doubled blossoms are composed of copious petals that appear both delicate and lush in bouquets.

Ranunculus thrive in cool spring weather. Although they have a reputation for being challenging to grow, they are worth the effort. If you don’t have an optimal in-ground site, they can be grown successfully in pots.

Ranunculus is a large genus, but most cultivated varieties are Ranunculus asiaticus, known more poetically as Persian Buttercups. Ranunculus translates as ‘little frog’, which may point to its origins throughout wetter areas of the Middle East and central Eurasia. Culturally important throughout its native range, it wasn’t introduced into western European flower markets until the 16th century.

Growing Ranunculus

Detailed growing instructions will be included with your order. Here’s the gist:

Zones 4-6: Depending on when you order, we ship corms either in fall or in late winter. If you receive corms in the fall, store them in a cool dry place over winter. You can leave them in the bag they come in.

Start indoors in late winter, and plant out early spring, ideally in a greenhouse. If planting outdoors or in pots, be ready to protect them from freezing temps and hot spells with row cover/shade cloth.

Zones 7-10: We recommend you order Ranunculus for fall delivery and plant right away. Mulch or protect with frost cloth over winter. Will perennialize in good conditions, yet some growers prefer to dig corms after summer dormancy and replant the following fall.