How To Grow Ranunculus. Soaking, Presprouting, Planting, Covering, Harvest // Northlawn Flower Farm

Here's how to grow ranunculus. Your growing zone and particular growing situation will dictate when your ranunculus should be planted. Zones 7 and higher or those with high tunnels can plant them out in fall. However, those in colder zones with no greenhouses should plant in very early spring. I am in 6b and do not have a high tunnel. I find that planting them out approx. 4-6 weeks before my last frost date and protecting them with a low tunnel made of wire hoops and frost cloth works best for me. Don't plant them outside until you are sure the ground won't freeze. Experience is the best teacher - especially when it comes to ranunculus. Everything that I'm sharing with you today is from trial and error on this particular land and in this zone. You will need to adapt to see what works best for you. You can find links to other grower's in other zones at the end of this tutorial.
In my zone corms should be planted out approximately 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Before planting I soak and presprout to give them a head start. This should be done 2 weeks before planting out.
When you purchase ranunculus corms they will be shipped to you in a dry dormant state. The corms can be stored dry and at room temperature for several months. No special treatments is necessary. Plan to start the soaking and presprouting process two weeks before you plan to plant them out in the garden.
Place the corms in a bucket of room temperature water and soak them for 4 hours. The water temperature should never exceed 55 degrees F. I place mine in old daffodil bags so they are easy to lift out of the bucket. Change the water every hour to avoid the build up of bacteria. You can also use a fish pump to arrate the water or leave a gentle stream of water running in the bucket for the 4 hours. I find simply dumping the water every hour works just fine.
Once the corms are soaked it is time to presprout them. Presprouting will result in blooms about 3 weeks earlier and will help us weed out any "dud" corms. Fill a planting tray that has no holes with lightly moisten high quality potting mix to the depth of about 1-2 inches. It is VERY important that the soil is not wet, just lightly moistened. Place the corms with the tuberous fingers pointing down in the medium. They can be placed very close together. We will not be growing them in this tray - just presprouting them. Cover the corms with a light layer of lightly moistened soil. Once again - not wet - just lightly moistened.
At this point some people will tell you to cover the tray with a dome. I personally found this problematic so I do not cover the tray at all - however, find what works best for you. Place the tray in area that stays dark and cool. The ideal temperature is 50 degrees. The soil should stay slightly moist during this time. Never wet, and not bone dry. Leave the tray in this cool dark area for approx. 2 weeks. Check them every day or so for any signs of rot and discard any corms that are moldy or rotten immediately.
Once about 2 weeks have passed you will see that the corms have developed roots and have begun to sprout. This is the right time to plant them out in the garden. Once again try to correlate your presprout with the time you want them to go out into the garden so that you are not trying to hold over corms that are ready to go outside.
Ranunculus need full sun and well draining soil. The plants can take cold ground and cold temperatures, but the corms should never be allowed to freeze. Before planting, incorporate a good 2-3 inches of compost to the bed. Plant the corms 2 inches deep and about 9 inches apart. I have head some growers push the spacing to 6 inches apart, however, I have never personally tried this.
Next I hoop and cover my plants with a frost cloth. I use Agribon 30 and metal hoops that are bent by a local farmer. I use metal staples to secure the cloth to the ground.
Ranunculus open in the day and close at night. Harvest Ranunculus after they have opened and closed a few times, generally 3 days. If the center bud feels hard, wait, and check it the next day. It should feel squishy like a marshmallow. Harvest in the early morning. You can cut them more open, they will just have a shorter vase life. You can expect a vase life of 10 days.
Once the weather warms up you will see the Ranunculs start to go dormant. Don't worry, this is normal. Ranunculus do not like long hot days and will stop producing when temperatures are consistently in the 70s.
Zone 6b/7a with high tunnel - lovenfreshflow...
Zone 3/4 - www.blossoming...
Zone 8-10 - www.localflowe...

[@herzhaus336]

This is the 5th video I watch about this subject and you are the first one talking about the storage (temp. and humidity) during sprouting. Thanks so much for this short precise video.

[@artifactartstudio107]

This is by far the most detailed and informative explanation of ranunculus I have found on KZbin. Thank you.

[@trainingolives3370]

Thank you for sweetly pointing us to the growing information for our zones. I’m in 8b/9a and most of my favorite gardeners are in much lower zones. I still love watching and learning (of course!), but it is nice to have information that is accurate for our climate, too. 💗💗

[@tracygonzalez-rogers3040]

Same here! Thanks for sharing more information. I live in 9b and am always looking for other channels who can help me in my zone.

[@jin8339]

Me 2 ! 😊

[@SuperManning11]

Me too…9b - Coachella Valley, Palm Springs - my question is whether they will return next spring. Do I need to do anything special with the corms over the long hot summer? Also, in my particular area we have not seen a frost for probably the last 10 years or so, whereas it used to be a regular thing. Does that make a difference to the corms? Should I refrigerate them?

[@jacintabyline]

I have the utmost admiration for those who have to cope with harsh winter climes - yet still manage to have exquisite gardens. Luckily - here in New Zealand, the majority of us live in temperate zones (except the deep south and the mountainous regions). Currently my ranunculus corms are in the fridge (along with the anenome, tulip and hyacinth bulbs). We have to trick them into thinking it's winter. My daffodil, freesia, muscari and Dutch Iris bulbs are in the ground and already popping their shoots up. I'll be planting the refrigerated bulbs in early May (late autumn here). Your vlogs are just choc-full of fantastic information Danielle. Thank you so much for taking the time to educate us all - your fellow flower lovers.

[@juliepuhr9806]

I love your honesty

[@aflanagan13]

I have a box of 200 coming this week...I’m so excited. This video came just at the right time!! Thanks 😊

[@miguelinaelenaoltmanns8091]

where do you buy your cromes from!?🤔 I appreciate your time!!‼🙏😇🤠

[@DeHoeveOldBelgianFarm]

Very good and detailed ‘how-to’ video - thanks a lot for sharing! And the best advice I’ve heard “just about getting out there and doing it”. Works perfectly in many situations!

[@soozshooz]

TY! I have watched 7 vids & you are the first and only one that has mentioned that the flower closes up in the evenings and opens back up during the day. 👍🏻

[@jackieweber3662]

I am learning so much from your videos, rewatching your tours from last year and loving them.

[@geneswiech4381]

Good morning , It’s Spring... thanks for sharing 🌷 #1 fan from Pittsburgh

[@mbg4445]

You are a wealth of information AND guidance.

[@joycepetrina2791]

Thank you for showing me the correct way to plant the Ranunculus.

[@quinton713]

Very good information! I have watched several other videos and yours makes it clear what I have done wrong. Thank you, Pam Smith

[@gardengatesopen]

GREAT video on this FIRST DAY OF SPRING!!! 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

[@NorthlawnFlowerFarmandGardens]

Haha! If you see spring, send her my way!!

[@gardengatesopen]

@@NorthlawnFlowerFarmandGardens I know, right!! I sure will !!! It's a sparse Spring over here in Texas too!!

[@sheliannesterling7335]

Thank you so much for this video. Concise and relevant information on ranunculus is impossible to find until now. I appreciate your generosity in providing links to other gardeners in zones closer to my own. This is my second year trying ranunculus and hopefully I will get a bloom this time. Just one flower would mean success to me. I have 4 corms that have leaves...out of 20 I purchased from local big box hardware store/garden center. I garden in 6a/5b in New York. Happy spring when it actually arrives ☘

[@carlie5515]

Just about to plant out sprouted corms in patio pots today, first time trying! Thank you for the confidence boost video!

[@betsymaltby6788]

I did the same today and my first try too. I was amazed how those little corms grew so many roots. Good luck to us!

[@carlie5515]

@@betsymaltby6788 Awww yes! Good luck to us and our beautiful flowers!

[@angieloishome3583]

I must point out of how beautiful your hands are. It looked like not hands of a gardener who created such beautiful garden and tended to plants that produces amazing flowers. Thank you for sharing us your ideas and helpful tips.

[@karenlopez5441]

Great video! Trying ranunculus for the first time in 7b. I planted in November after soaking but didn’t pre-sprout. I’ll do that next year for sure. Mine were unprotected despite 20 degree nights and are close to blooming now! They are tough!

[@1628Scarlet]

I really appreciate you sharing what zone you are in and recommending the viewer referring to the links you've shared for growers in other zones! ⭐⭐⭐

[@Sunny14136]

Thanks for the encouragement, Danielle! I have some pre-spouted corms in the ground now (Zone 9b in Southern CA.) and I hope that at least a few come up in the Spring. :--) I appreciate your comments about being patient with ourselves.

[@emilypinney]

Do you save corms or buy new each year? And keep up the awesome videos 🥰.learning a lot from you!

[@shirleylockhart-kb6dx]

This is a wonderful video, but I just have to tell you how much I loved that you have the dog and the kitty trying to play with the mesh bag!

[@GrannysGarden]

Yes indeed. First day of spring and it was freezing here too. I don't mind the cold but a strong north wind was too much. I tried weeding for an hour but came in frozen and decided that an afternoon beside the log fire was a better idea. Hopefully the Artic blast will pass in a few days and we can get back into the garden. I love the colour of those Ranunculus and the pre sprouting is definitely working, they looked lovely and plump before planting out.

[@StaceyHerewegrowagain]

Just got these beauties as a gift. Can't wait until I can plant them.

[@StaceyHerewegrowagain]

I'm in Central Florida so our humidity is outrageous lol. I appreciate your information 🌱

[@annettesmouse4409]

These are such beautiful flowers!!

[@rebeccah.8860]

Just bought a box of 8 bulbs for my first time. your video was beyond informative, an straight to the point. thank you. I've saved your information in my plant board Soaking my bulbs

[@nydeagraves1081]

I’m in southeastern Pennsylvania glad I found found you

[@ahbon8906]

Thank you so much! Your video really helped me. My corms are sprouted and now growing in my garden! I didn't lose at all so far knock on wood. Thank you again!

[@JulieALamb-ih4jc]

I love this flower! Mine were doing so well then all of a sudden they got powdery mildew and it rained to much, super hot, rained... I finally pulled them up and dryed them out for next spring!

[@locusttreegarden1560]

0:21 zones and ranunculus planting 2:00 growing ranunculus in zone 6 2:23 storing corns 2:40 soaking 3:16 presprouting 5:22 sowing outside 6:28 frost protection 6:50 harvest

[@KateEdel]

Decided to try growing ranunculus for the first this time - 2023 Spring season 7B. I enjoy rewatching your instructional video to give my corms the best chance of success. Thanks always for your detailed steps. Happy Gardening!

[@whitneyparchman6339]

I am such a rookie when it comes to ranunculus! I pre-sprouted 170 too early I think? I was so paranoid about mold and mildew that they dried out. UGH! Hopefully some will survive so I don't give up permanently. Thanks for your videos! They are SO very helpful.

[@rachelcornacchio]

I’m also in south central PA. I’m happy to have found you!

[@shawndunne3118]

Thanks so much for the info for other zones! I really appreciate it. My first attempt at growing ran in s was a dismal failure. This year 18 of 25 corms have sprouted and are happily stretching their legs. Now, thanks for your zone 3-4 link, I will be able to have my first tannic, (hopefully).

[@seeingthesitzes4333]

I love the stand you had your arrangement on. So beautiful. I plan to try ranunculus next season. They are such a lovely flower 🌸

[@Redhousefarmflowers]

I'm super glad I've found your channel, your videos are so helpful. I'm from the UK so things are slightly different weather wise etc but I find the majority of the information so helpful. Especially because this is my first year flower farming ☺️

[@dianeyoungberg2472]

Love that you have links to certain zones! Our 4a is tough gardening here in Upper Peninsula Michigan..... but I am going to give it a try! 🌺🌼🌸

[@JkJk-lq4xt]

I followed your suggestions and it works. Mine is growing. Thankyou from 🇨🇦

[@MaggieMagnoli]

I'm so happy I found you. I just starting to garden and have a lot to learn! :)

[@SusanTaylor-uy8zi]

On point intel about ranunculus from start to finish. THANK YOU!

[@ElderandOakFarm]

Wow! Great job, this is the absolute best video I have ever watched on ranunculus! Of all the ones I have watched, none of them have mentioned that the blooms open and close, or that they will stop blooming around 70ﾟ!?! I presprouted mine too early! I started presprouting them mid January. And although I'm sure my temperatures have been warm enough, I didn't have my cutflower bed finished! They're already starting to bloom really small blooms in the trays on really short stems...

[@NorthlawnFlowerFarmandGardens]

You are too kind friend! I wish I would have said it's usually about 3 days of opening and closing. Hank Onings has some really interesting charts on them. I can't figure out how to link them, but anyone is welcome to DM me on Instagram and I can send some screenshots on season extension as well.

[@ElderandOakFarm]

@@NorthlawnFlowerFarmandGardens Oh OK! Awesome ty!

[@acecarson3792]

These flowers are so beautiful and small great too.

[@zarahsgarden2097]

A couple of my corms have sprouted! I'm so excited! Thank you!! 👍

[@ginnymastrine1586]

You are my favorite flower farmer that I follow. Your explanations are clear and easy to follow. How long do you leave the cover on the tunnel? Thank you!

[@95KIPPIE]

I’m in Maryland, zone 6B also. Going to try these also

[@CapriceGVR]

Your video gave me confidence! Thank you for all the details including putting them in the ground!

[@chrsoloy]

Thanks! I followed your recipe except I planted each bulb in their own small pot. Placed them in a dark, cold room and all 20 of them are sprouting.

[@MarilynWinchell]

Your instructions were so helpful. Mine did not grow as expected but your video helped me figure out why.

[@barbll000]

very helpful, especially the tip about moisture.

[@Jeannineross]

Thank you for the heads up! I’m in zone 9B and this’ll be the first time I grow these! Can’t wait. Thank you!

[@eileenchang2173]

Happy spring Danielle! Excellent growing tips! Unfortunately when I purchased the ranunculus plant last year the squirrels love eating the buds! I love these flowers 🌸! ❤️🇨🇦

[@reginafick6620]

This is the video I have been looking for! Thank you so much for linking a zone 4 farmer too!!!

[@grammieseven6604]

Thank you!! Love your informative content! First time doing ranuculus. Thanks for telling me to give myself grace! And maybe I’ll loose a few corms. You were so helpful when you said to enjoy the process! I’m in 7a by the beach in central NJ. Sending hugs from the Jersey Shore!

[@judithmiller5195]

Love your beautiful floral bouquets.

[@nikkikennedy551]

Thank you so much! You are a pleasure to watch, as you explain everything in such easy to follow steps. I can't wait to begin our flower farm next year!

[@kathryndailey7313]

I love your videos. Thank you. I planted 475 ranunculus in a special bed I prepared. Planted in the fall and had a great crop growing well, going into this past winter. Then…either mice or squirrels ate ALL my corms! How in the world do I prevent that? I didn’t realize rodents even liked these corms!

[@rebeccaballi8683]

Thank you so much for were to find info on planting in other zones. I am in zone 9a Texas, and find a lot of videos are for much cooler zones.

[@yolandapierce4258]

This video was so perfect! My first round of corms did not do well, so I bought 2 more bags. The soil that I bought was already a little damp, so I didn't add water. I placed them in the cellar and they're finally sprouting. Thank you!

[@kmarch6630]

Snow on the first day of spring! Brr! I'm definitely not a cold weather person. I cant wait to see your ranunculus bloom!

[@emptynestgardens9057]

As always quality content from you and awesome you shared other resources. QUESTION - do you dig these up in the Fall like Dahlias?

[@stephanielunt7914]

This video was a huge help for me. Thank you so much!

[@juanagonzalez8996]

Very easy to understand video. Thank you.

[@elizabethlehman7375]

Thank you for this! I'm so excited to grow these in the near future!!! My friend successfully overwinters ranunculus in a low tunnel here in 6b (Mt. Joy, PA)!!! You might want to try it?! Obviously more work, but such reward with early blooms.

[@NorthlawnFlowerFarmandGardens]

Thank you so much for letting me know! Is her low tunnel plastic?

[@renee3398]

I live in the same area! I would like to know what to do for success here too!

[@angelhelen84]

Hi, what do you do with your corms after the flowering season is done? Do you dig them up and replant them next season (after storing)? Thank you.

[@karenschwartz5209]

Thank you so much!! This has helped s much I am in zone 8b and my Ranunculus have sprouted. I will be planting them out today or tomorrow. It's my first time with this process you have just mentioned. Thank you so much. 😊

[@aliceroberts1980]

Ok I glad I watched this I think I made some mistakes! I’m in Michigan so I hope this is going to work I just want them in my flower garden not for cut flowers yeah it still cold in Michigan too but I tired of waiting so I doing spring clean up and spray my deer spray because the deer are always here

[@Cherryparfait41]

I would have loved to have gotten a look at the ranunculus plants in the bed! People always show the beautiful flowers but not their growth habit. I put mine in the ground a couple weeks back, but we’ve had a lot of heat. Not sure what will happen 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@NorthlawnFlowerFarmandGardens]

Hi there! I wrote an article on Ranunculus for Longfield Gardens recently. You can see my seedling bed at the end of the article - www.longfield-gardens.com/article/10-Tips-for-Growing-Ranunculus I hope that helps!

[@marilyngriffin8737]

This was super helpful. Thank you!

[@andrewjohn970]

Before sow the crom.. i usually put some fungicide on the crom.. the percentage of growth will slightly higher..

[@joeschiavi9615]

One thing I never see discussed is when to dig up your corms to save. I don’t know that many ppl do save them, maybe that is why? Once the heat kicks in and they finish flowering is like a bulb where there need the foliage to die back to feed the corm? Thanks!

[@alexiscraft7877]

I’m totally loving all your videos. I’m sucked in, Should be seeding or sleeping Tisk Tisk for 12th House Farm ✨

[@fernandabful]

Thank u for sharing! Hope this can work on Brazil.

[@marivasquez7398]

You have cute pets 🥰 a cat and 2 pups ! Beside thanks for the información

[@zuhrankhan7366]

Love you dear from pakistan Thank you for the best taeching vedio Luv u

[@refressopizza414]

Hi friends very grateful video I am from India

[@sharonjennings1282]

My ranunculus corms were sent to me with my glad corms!!!! So they are ready to go out but it is very warm here now in 5b. I am hoping that they will still grow because they sprouted beautifully. Any tips for me please????

[@karenschwartz5209]

Thank you so much.

[@classvideosbydrstarrs6433]

thank-you Danielle for sharing your knowledge - you are always so generous :-) I am very hesitant to "experiment" with these because they are so expensive here in Canada (18$CAN for 5 corms), the "some loss is expected" is tough, despite their beauty!

[@Alyssa-br3jd]

Watched this morning and planted mine for pre sprouting tonight!! Debating if my soil was a little to wet 👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻

[@krifenburg]

Do you have a video of how/when they need to be dug back up after blooming?

[@JRosa-do9ki]

Thank you for the information.

[@luckyelfie]

I’m in a zone 9 and have always just thrown the dry corms in the ground in October and they have been successful. Last year I presoaked and was not as happy. This year I’ll personal and prescription half and just toss the other 1/2 in the ground and see what happens.

[@karenborowitz86]

I also garden in zone 6b and am thinking about starting my ranunculus corms in the next couple of weeks that I saved last summer. I have a very small garden so want to know if you have a suggestion about what I could interplant with them that grows slow enough to just give them a little shade before I pull them in late June but then won’t have a huge empty space in my garden.

[@mycraftroom6872]

Hi Danielle I just watched this video again to avoid another ranunculus massacre this year. I have been pre-sprouting mine in my unheated zone 6b garage under a frost cloth for about a week. Definitely seeing signs of life! Should they be hardened off before planting outside? Also, could I put them in pots for another week or so before planting them out. I worry that the weather in SE Michigan might get too cold without a hoop house. Thank you!

[@dianegreiner4054]

Such a great tutorial! I had never heard of this flower before I saw one of your previous videos. They're absolutely beautiful!!! Do you then lift the rhizomes in the fall and store or do you consider them annual? I live in Michigan, zone 5b.

[@Yogirliej4dee]

The ranunculus they sell in Vancouver BC look different in terms of the shape of the flower and height. Canada also use Zones for planting so it does get confusing since growing season varies for each province in Canada.

[@kristibode8358]

What did you do when it snowed and you’d just planted them? Keep the frost cloth on? Would it collapse? Or did you let is snow on them?

[@tasha3757]

Hehe, that cute cat! 😅

[@dawnschneider9505]

Tomorrow (April 6) will be two weeks since I soaked and planted my corms. I've kept them in my cool dark basement and kept them moist but I'm seeing nothing above the dirt. Should I dig one out to see if it has grown any roots?

[@mohamedkhadragi8515]

It’s very informative Thank you very much 🌹

[@suburbangardeningcouple]

Very helpful tutorial! We’re going to grow them for the first time this season. We’re in zone 5b. After they’re done producing do you treat them as an annual or can they be dug up and saved for the next growing season?

[@NorthlawnFlowerFarmandGardens]

Hi there! I treat them as an annual, but you can certainly let the foliage die back and dig and store them! I believe I have seen Dahlia May Flower Farm share about this on Instagram. You might get some more info from her! Also if I remember correctly she is zone 5 as well!

[@suburbangardeningcouple]

@@NorthlawnFlowerFarmandGardens thank you!

[@mygardeninbloom]

I'm trying them for the first time too! Good luck to us both.🌸

[@alisonburgess345]

Horticulturally, why the soaking and pre-sprouting step (apart from detecting any dead ones and how many of those do you really get?). If you presprout, then put them out into relatively cold soil, they'll check anyway, so I don't get the part about them flowering earlier. Honestly, it's a bit of a mystery. I don't presprout glads, daffodils or anything else... Have you tried at least dividing the little corms - maybe you'd get two shoots from some of them? Everyone seems to do this so I must be missing something..😅

[@b3arwithm3]

For presprout in the tray, we don't need sunlight at all? In areas with no frost in winter, can we plant them directly in the soil?

[@bloominginct6109]

Perfect timing, thank you!! My presprouted corms are ready for planting! 🤗🌸🤗🌸🤗 I am in zone 7A. Do you think it’s necessary to cover them with the frost cloth here?

[@NorthlawnFlowerFarmandGardens]

Hi there friend! Are temperatures dipping below freezing at night? If so I would cover. AG 30 will give you 6 degrees more. It shouldn't cost but $8 or so for 20 feet.

[@bloominginct6109]

@@NorthlawnFlowerFarmandGardens thank you!!

[@MEFROMCHI]

Hi and happy spring. This is one of my favorite flowers but have always heard they are challenging to grow. You inspired me to give it a try!! But you skipped over people in Z5 😆

[@NorthlawnFlowerFarmandGardens]

@@MEFROMCHI Hi there! Zone 5 should be able to follow my zone 6 instructions. Thanks!

[@maryschenkel1350]

This might be a dumb question, but do you pull the frost cloth back during the day (while it’s still cold out)when the temperatures are say in the 40’s or 50’s or do you leave them covered? I know I’m commenting on this in July. I’m just curious for next year. By the way, I’m in 6b also.

[@saifsalah8593]

How do I know what color it is before the flowers appear? And does the plant adapt to high temperatures? Because I live in the countries of the East

[@karenbutton5271]

Do you water them during the 2 week pre sprouting

[@azoz_1346]

جميل جداً تشبة وردة الجوري 👌🏻😃

[@Jenolistic]

Uh oh... think I probably messed my first ones up. Put them under the grow lights on a heat mat 🥺 Guess I will fix that and see what happens 😅

[@janeb1400]

How do you have blooms at planting time? They are beautiful by the way.

[@SuperManning11]

Great video! I will never disparage buttercups again! (Buttercups are essentially wild ranunculus-I think…?). I had great success this spring with the corms I planted; my question is whether they will return next spring. I live in zone 9b-Palm Springs-Do I need to do anything special with the corms over the long hot summer? Also, in my particular area we have not seen a frost for probably the last 10 years or so, whereas it used to be a regular thing. Does that make a difference to the corms? Should I refrigerate them?