Flower Of The Month ~ May
Delicate, Layered Petals, Romantic, and Feminine ~ Ranunculus
Ranunculus is a grown from a corm. It is considered a perennial in the south, but here in West Michigan, zone 6a, we have to either reorder our ranunculus corms every year or dig them up and store them.
Ranunculus is a beautiful and popular flower known for its vibrant colors and delicate petals. It is a member of the buttercup family, and its scientific name is Ranunculus asiaticus.
It can be grown in containers or in the ground.
Vase Life - 7-10 days
In this post, we will talk about
My favorite ranunculus varieties to use as a cut flower
How to grow ranunculus in the garden in zone 6a, West Michigan climate
How to harvest and use ranunculus in as a fresh flower in floral design
What to do with ranunculus once they are done flowering
My Favorite Ranunculus
Ranunculus come in a myriad of different varieties and colors, and shapes. I am starting to see ranunculus pop up at local greenhouses and nurseries in the West Michigan area in the spring. The ranunculus that you find at your local greenhouse is perfect for planting into your spring pots and enjoying until the weather gets too hot.
Those are not the variety of ranunculus that I grow for use as a cut flower.
There are several factors to consider when you are picking out a variety of ranunculus and those factors helped me to limit my options currently to one variety
Amandine - is the most heat tolerant and seems to grow the best outside in the garden. It comes in several colors and seems to do well in West Michigan. I learned about this variety from a Michigan flower farmer on the east side of the state of Michigan, Muddy Acres Flower Farm.
Butterfly ranunculus - is beautiful. I have not grown butterfly ranunculus, but I have used butterfly ranunculus in my spring flower bouquets. It is so whimsical and delicate and adds that whimsy look to your fresh flower bouquet that you cannot get at the grocery store.
In the Garden
tips on growing ranunculus in your garden: Ranunculus can be little divas, there are a few tricks to getting the best flowers from them.
Soil and Sunlight: Ranunculus prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It is important to plant them in an area that gets at least six hours of full sun per day.
Presoak: Presoak your ranunculus corms in a bowl of water for two to three hours. Then place them in a shallow tray of soil and cover with an inch or so of soil. Keep them in a cool bright location for one to two weeks. The corms will start to sprout and hopefully have all little roots coming out of them. It’s at this stage you can pot them up and put them under a grow light or plant them outside in your garden.
When to plant: Early in the spring - ranunculus despise being hot. If the weather spikes over 80 degrees they go dormant. You will see yellowing of the leaves and then they seem to die off. They really are an early spring, cool weather plant. Aim to plant your ranunculus six to eight weeks before your last frost. In West Michigan, our last frost is May 15. It is important to cover them if the temps dip below 28 degrees. In Michigan, that can happen until May 15.
Watering: Ranunculus prefer moist soil but do not like to be waterlogged. Water them regularly but do not allow water to accumulate around the base of the plant.
Fertilizer: Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer every three to four weeks during the growing season. I do not usually fertilize, I will sometimes water with a fish emulsions fertilizer once or twice. I probably should fertilize more, but if you are short on time like I often am, don’t fret about whether you remember to fertilize.
Mulching: Applying a layer of mulch around the plants can help retain soil moisture and keep the soil cool during hot weather.
Pest Control: Ranunculus are generally not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, they can be vulnerable to snails and slugs. Use bait traps or other control measures to keep these pests at bay. I use a pellet called BT. You can find it at any local store or online. It works great. We do not have to much of a slug problem, but prevention is your best friend.
Winter Care: In colder climates, ranunculus bulbs can be left in the ground over the winter if the soil does not freeze. In areas with freezing temperatures, dig up the bulbs in the fall and store them in a cool, dry place until the following spring.
If you have a greenhouse or covered growing area, the best time to plant ranunculus bulbs is in the fall, about 6-8 weeks before the first frost. Bulbs should be planted about 2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart. After planting, water thoroughly and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Watching the temps is super important here.
As the plants grow, they may need to be staked to keep them upright. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage more blooms. When the foliage turns yellow and dies back in the summer, the bulbs can be dug up, dried, and stored for replanting in the fall.
In The Vase
Ranunculus is a versatile flower that can be used in a variety of floral designs, from bridal bouquets to centerpieces.
The delicate, layered petals of ranunculus make it a popular choice for romantic and feminine designs. It can be paired with other flowers like roses, peonies, and anemones to create a lush and full arrangement. Ranunculus is also a popular choice for boutonnieres and corsages.
In addition to fresh cut flowers, ranunculus can also be used in dried floral arrangements. The dried flowers can be used in wreaths, swags, and other decorative projects.
Tips for Harvesting
Choose the right time: Ranunculus blooms are at their peak when the petals are just starting to open. Wait until the buds are fully colored but not yet fully opened before cutting. I like to call this the marshmallow stage. The bud is squishy, like a marshmallow.
Use CLEAN sharp scissors or a CLEAN sharp knife: Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle. Be careful not to crush or damage the stems when cutting.
Cut long stems: Cut the stems as long as possible, ideally at least twice the height of the actual flowers. This will provide a longer stem to support the blooms and allow for more water uptake.
Remove leaves: Remove any leaves that will be below the water line in the vase. This will help prevent bacteria growth and keep the water clean.
Place in water immediately: Immediately after cutting, place the stems in a bucket of warm water. Allow the flowers to sit in the water for several hours before arranging. Ranunculus can be refrigerated for several days as well if you need it for a future event.
Use flower food: Add a packet of flower food to the vase water to provide the flowers with nutrients and help keep the water clean.
Change the water: Every two to three days, change the vase water and recut the stems. This will help prevent bacteria growth and keep the flowers hydrated.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your ranunculus blooms will last as long as possible in a vase, allowing you to enjoy their beauty and delicate charm for days to come.
What to do with ranunculus once they finish flowering
Once ranunculus finish flowering, there are a few things you can do to care for the plant and prepare it for the next growing season:
Deadhead the blooms: As the flowers begin to fade and wilt, remove them from the plant. This will encourage your ranunculus to put energy into producing new growth and more beautiful fresh flowers rather than seed production.
Stop watering: Once the foliage begins to yellow and die back, stop watering your ranunculus. Allow the soil to dry out completely before removing the ranunculus corm from the ground.
Dig up the corms: In warmer climates where the soil does not freeze, you can leave your ranunculus corms in the ground and allow them to go dormant until the next growing season. However, in colder climates like West Michigan or if you want to store your ranunculus corms, dig them up carefully using a garden fork or shovel.
Clean and dry the corms: Remove any remaining foliage and dirt from your ranunculus corms and allow them to dry in a cool, dry place for a few days.
Store the corms: Once your ranunculus corms are dry, store them in a cool, dry place, such as a paper bag or a mesh container. Avoid storing your ranunculus corms in plastic bags or containers, as this can cause them to rot. I have heard of people storing them in the drawer of the refrigerator. Just be sure that you do not store them next to any fruits or vegetables. Fruit and vegetables let off ethylene gas that causes the ranunculus corms to go bad.
Replant the corms: In the fall, if you are in a warm climate or have a covered growing space, when the soil has cooled down, you can replant your ranunculus corms in a well-draining soil in a sunny location. Plant the ranunculus corms about 2-3 inches deep with the pointed side facing upwards.
By following these steps, you can care for your ranunculus plant after it has finished flowering and prepare it for the next growing season.
