We recommend that gardeners in zones 8 through 10 plant ranunculus bulbs in autumn for blooms in late winter and early spring. Gardeners in USDA zones 2 through 7 should plant in late winter / early spring, once the threat of hard frost is over for late spring / early summer blooms. If you aren’t ready to plant the bulbs when you receive them, simply keep your bulbs in the shipping bag at room temperature and out of direct sunlight for up to eight months.

Before planting, soak your bulbs for a two to three hours in lukewarm water. DO NOT OVERSOAK. Plant bulbs in a sunny site with well draining soil in holes that allow you to plant the ranunculus 2 to 3 inches deep, and 6 to 9 inches apart. Make sure that the “pointed” ends are facing downward. After planting, gently soak the soil.

If pre-sprouting bulbs, soak bulbs as mentioned above. Fill a flat-bottomed seed tray half-way with moist potting soil, place corms in the tray then cover with more soil. Move the tray into an area that has consistent temperatures of 40 to 50°F for two weeks. Check the corms every three to four days to ensure the soil is moist, and remove any corms that show signs of rotting or molding. Once rootlets appear, it’s time to plant!

Caring for Your Plants

Leave the foliage in place once blooming has ended for the season. The leaves will continue to gather sunlight and strengthen the bulbs for future seasons.Once the leaves yellow and die back, the foliage may be removed and the bulbs can be dug up for storage if needed.