How to Plant Ranunculus Bulbs

Overview

Ranunculus asiaticus is the glamorous cousin of the buttercup, a sometimes weedy but happy little flower that grows prolifically in meadows and untamed landscapes. The Persian buttercup, however, grows from a bulb and blooms in the late spring or early summer. Providing beautiful furls of petals and pretty dark centers perfect for cut flower arrangements, R. asiaticus is an easy summer bulb to cultivate.

Step 1

Choose a site with full sun and soil with good drainage. Avoid areas where water pools, such as under a drain spout or an area at the base of a slope. Ranunculus are prone to bulb rot in continuously wet soil.

Step 2

Soak the Persian buttercup bulbs in water the night before planting takes place.

Step 3

Plant the tubers, or finger shaped bulb roots, with the body in line with the top soil and the projections facing down. Cover with 1 to 2 inches of soil and space tubers 6 to 10 inches apart.

Step 4

Water well after planting. Do not over-water due to bulb rot tendencies.

Step 5

Fertilize new shoots with a balanced liquid fertilizer. New flower stalks are the indicator that feeding is needed to promote flowering.