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 - lovenfreshflowers.com/2014/02...
Zone 3/4 - www.blossomingbough.com/blog/...
Zone 8-10 - www.localflowerco.com/blog/20...

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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?

[@jackieweber3662]

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

[@emilypinney]

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

[@reginafick6620]

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

[@CapriceGVR]

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

[@mbg4445]

You are a wealth of information AND guidance.

[@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. 😊

[@annettesmouse4409]

These are such beautiful flowers!!

[@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.

[@juliepuhr9806]

I love your honesty

[@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!

[@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!

[@geneswiech4381]

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

[@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 🌸

[@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! 🌺🌼🌸

[@quinton713]

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

[@zarahsgarden2097]

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

[@SusanTaylor-uy8zi]

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

[@MarilynWinchell]

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

[@rachelcornacchio]

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

[@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 ☺️

[@judithmiller5195]

Love your beautiful floral bouquets.

[@JkJk-lq4xt]

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

[@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!

[@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! ⭐⭐⭐

[@MaggieMagnoli]

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

[@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. 👍🏻

[@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!

[@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).

[@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 🌸! ❤️🇨🇦

[@barbll000]

very helpful, especially the tip about moisture.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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 ☘

[@acecarson3792]

These flowers are so beautiful and small great too.

[@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!

[@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!

[@stephanielunt7914]

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

[@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!

[@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!!‼🙏😇🤠

[@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

[@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.

[@nydeagraves1081]

I’m in southeastern Pennsylvania glad I found found you

[@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!

[@gardengatesopen]

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

[@NorthlawnFlowerFarm]

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

[@gardengatesopen]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 🌱

[@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!

[@caseydwyer2929]

Great video!

[@mienkedezoete2146]

great information!

[@95KIPPIE]

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

[@mohamedkhadragi8515]

It’s very informative Thank you very much 🌹

[@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!

[@christinebeames2311]

Just what I needed to know thank you

[@JRosa-do9ki]

Thank you for the information.

[@marivasquez7398]

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

[@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

[@alexiscraft7877]

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

[@zuhrankhan7366]

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

[@weiliuvivian]

So useful, thank you so much!

[@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!

[@ashleekinghazel6893]

This was extremely helpful, thank you ^__^

[@emptynestgardens9057]

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

[@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...

[@NorthlawnFlowerFarm]

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]

@@NorthlawnFlowerFarm Oh OK! Awesome ty!

[@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.

[@ivaircunha4231]

Very good!

[@refressopizza414]

Hi friends very grateful video I am from India

[@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

[@leslienichols5268]

very interesting!

[@millennialpatriot9243]

Thank you so much!

[@fernandabful]

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

[@clothespindolls]

very helpful

[@skiptomylu1]

Thank you for this video. I am in zone 7b and planted in pots a few months back. They have beautiful green sprouts now for at least 2 months but no blooms. Do you think I should feed?

[@aprilbuckland7955]

I finally received the Ranunculus that I ordered last week and now I'm afraid that it's too late in my zone 5a to plant them. Should I give it a go or try again next year? Thank you for another very helpful video from a new subscriber in Canada.

[@michellerenshaw3058]

Thanks so much

[@Thalathnikat]

Thank you

[@matthewcondon1985]

Great info! I just got my first ever ranunculus today from Walmart. I've wanted to try them for a long time. It's in bloom and I have it inside in my grow room until my last frost date (zone 5b). Once they are finished, can I just dig the corms up and store them until next year?

[@azoz_1346]

جميل جداً تشبة وردة الجوري 👌🏻😃

[@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????

[@lozikahomolya8601]

Divno hvala hvala hvala

[@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.

[@nic9042]

Great video!! Do you dig these up once they're done producing and save them for next year?

[@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.

[@NorthlawnFlowerFarm]

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!

[@andrewjohn970]

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

[@gerryannolson7502]

I planted ranunculus for the first time and they are beautiful! What do you do with them once they are done. I’m in zone 9b, and we had a few days in the 70s in early April, and they stopped blooming.

[@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!

[@downtoearthflowersco.5784]

Hi Daniel, thank you so much for the great information. Ranunculus remained covered by the agribon until when? Do you water them by hand or you have irrigation on the bed? I just have planted my pre sprouted corms and got the mini tunnel and frost cloth, no irrigation system. We will be in average 4-10Celcius for a week but it will be rainy all week. Any answer is greatly appreciated. Love your garden.

[@benstanski3101]

great

[@Alyssa-br3jd]

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

[@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.

[@gardeninggrandma5247]

I'm getting ready to plant my corms in the next few days. They are coming up!! I'm so excited. This is my first time. I'm in 6B as well. I'm wondering what happens and what to do after they go dormant in the warmer weather. Do they corms stay in the ground all summer, then removed in the Fall for next year? Thank you.

[@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!