How to Grow Bigger Ranunculus

With crinkled, papery flowers that resemble peonies and delicate foliage that has a fern-like appearance, ranunculus are spectacular additions to the spring garden. Ranunculus bloom in a wide range of colors, including pink, red, gold, orange, white, yellow and peach. Plant ranunculus tubers in the fall if you live in U.S. Department of Agriculture gardening zones 8 to 11 and in the early spring if you live in zones 4 through 7. They bloom prolifically in the ground or in a container and make excellent cut flowers. To grow the biggest flowers, provide ranunculus with their ideal growing conditions, then sit back and watch them bloom.

Ranunculus tubers
Compost
Slow-release fertilizer
Water
Liquid fertilizer
Scissors or garden clippers

Instructions

- 1
  Choose large, healthy looking tubers without signs of mold or damage. For the most flowers, purchase jumbo-sized tubers that are 1 inch in diameter.
- 2
  Grow ranunculus in full sun. While they prefer cool temperatures, they require bright light for the biggest flowers.
- 3
  Plant the ranunculus tubers in very well-drained, rich soil. If your soil is heavy clay, too sandy or not fertile, amend with compost for a half garden soil/half compost mixture.
- 4
  Dig a small hole 1 to 2 inches deep, and place the ranunculus tuber with the fingers pointing downward. Space jumbo tubers 8 to 12 inches apart. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of slow-release fertilizer into the hole, then cover it with soil, patting down firmly.
- 5
  Water thoroughly. Do not water again until sprouts appear, usually within 15 to 20 days, unless the soil becomes completely dry. Once the foliage has appeared, water only when soil is dry.
- 6
  Fertilize once per month with a liquid fertilizer, following package directions for mixing.
- 7
  Once blooms appear, usually within two months, clip as desired for long-lasting cut flowers. Cutting flowers will encourage the plant to produce more buds.

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