How to Plant Ranunculus Bulbs

This is a quick guide on how to plant Ranunculus corms (bulbs). If you're searching for a more detailed overview about Ranunculus flowers, varieties and optimal growing conditions CLICK HERE.

If you need help determining WHEN to start planting your ranunculus corms CLICK HERE. The timing aspect is critical to understand for optimal success!

How to Plant Ranunculus Corms

Overview

Step 1: Soak the Corms in Water for 3-4 hours

• Use room temperature water

• The corms will "plump" up and double in size

• Some guides will instruct you to bubble the water with a fish tank bubbler to keep the water circulating but we haven't this to be necessary. However, changing out the water every hour or so is a good idea to prevent any microbial growth.

• DO NOT soak them too long - they will rot!

• After soaking, the bulbs are ready to plant. Either following the next steps to pre-sprout the corms indoors or plant directly into the ground (Plant your bulbs about 2-3 inches deep and spacing them about 4-6 inches apart. The “claws” or roots should face down, with the rounded side facing up. Once planted, water them thoroughly and cover with mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds).

Step 2: Pre-sprout Corms indoors

• Fill flat bottom trays, containers, or large plant cells with lightly moist potting mix. Seed cell trays or old take out containers work well. (Do not use soil)

• Place soaked corms on the soil "claw" side facing down (don't worry about spacing)

• Completely cover the corms with more soil.

Step 3: Grow-on time

• Place containers in a cool dry place to sprout (40°F–50°F) for 10 to 14 days

• Check the corms every other day and ensure that the soil is not completely dry. Mist soil as needed to keep it slightly moist but not soggy.

• Inspect corms for signs of mold and immediately remove any that show rot/mold.

Step 4: Plant Out

• In a few weeks, the corms will develop white roots that look like "sprouts." At this point, the corms should be planted in the ground, if possible. If your ground is still frozen and you're not able to plant out at this time, see note below.

• Amend soil with 2-3 inches of compost.

• Plant in a spot that gets full sun.

• Space them 9 in (23 cm) apart and bury 2 to 3 deep.

• Plants corms with the "claws" pointing down.

• Alternatively, you can keep growing the plants on inside for a few more weeks but you will need to place the trays under artificial growing lights to develop healthy foliage and also increase watering at this point.

• If you allow your corms to grow foliage, plant them outside as soon as the ground is workable in the early spring, using the instructions detailed above.

Step 5: Protect from freezing

• Monitor outdoor temperatures and protect plants with frost cloth\ when temperatures dip below freezing.

Step 6: Water & Care

• Less is more when it comes to watering, as ranunculus bulbs that are too wet can rot quite easily. As the plants begin to sprout, continue to monitor the moisture level in the soil – it should remain damp but not soggy.

• Once your ranunculus blooms begin to appear, you may choose to fertilize them with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to encourage further growth.

With the right care – including regular deadheading and ensuring healthy drainage – your ranunculus bulbs will flourish, presenting you with an abundance of colorful blooms to enjoy throughout the growing season!

Buy Ranunculus Corms Here