Want to learn how to store ranunculus tubers? Here are some tips and tricks!
Ranunculus flowers are gorgeous spring bloomers with an appearance almost like that of a rose. They are prolific bloomers and make excellent cut flowers! So if your goal is to have your very own cut flower garden, these will make a perfect addition!
What is a ranunculus tuber?
Ranunculus flowers create what are known as tubers (AKA bulbs or corms). This is where they store all of their energy for next years blooms.
The tubers do look a little strange at first. Initially I thought they looked like tiny octopi!
Where To Buy Ranunculus Tubers?
There are several great options to source your tubers. I happened to purchase mine from Eden Brothers. I would also recommend checking your local greenhouses and garden centers to see if they carry some in stock, especially if you plan to only plant a few at a time.
How To Store Ranunculus Tubers?
Ranunculus are not hardy below USDA zones 7. If you’ve determined that you need to overwinter your tubers inside, you will need to locate a cool dry spot in your house to keep them cozy until spring. I chose our basement for my location.
Just like with dahlia tubers, you need to make sure they are dry prior to storing. Otherwise, they could rot. No bueno!
In fact, to help protect your tubers I recommend having the following items on hand:
- Cool, dry and well ventilated spot in your home (think basement or garage)
- A storing medium such as vermiculite or newspaper
- A breathable container (such as wooden crate with burlap fabric)
How Do You Grow Ranunculus?
Since ranunculi have frost sensitive tubers (or corms) you should check to make sure you live in a climate warm enough to keep the tubers in ground. Otherwise, it could damage the tubers if you plant them where they could be exposed to frost, as they are very sensitive to the cold.
How To Grow Ranunculus?
The perfect time to begin planting your ranunculi, is when the temperature reaches just above 25°F (-4°C). If not, they could freeze and damage the tubers.
Many experts recommend to pre-sprout your ranunculi. This is to gently begin the growing process with stimulating the roots earlier than if you just planted them immediately in ground. Essentially you are giving your baby ranunculi a head start!
How To Plant Ranunculus?
You will want to plant 2″ deep with tentacles facing down, about every 5-9 inches apart. I recommend using garden hoops and frost cloth to help them in the initial transition. Also, you can add soil amendments to help provide an extra boost of nutrition to your blooms as well!
Ranunculus will be a little slow to start, so expect blooms in about 90 days from planting. After they start blooming you can expect blooms for 4-6 weeks! YAY!
Resources
If you have made it this far and are ready to take the plunge and grow your own ranunculus from tubers, I highly recommend checking out these resources below!
If you try storing and planting your ranunculus tubers, let me know how you do!
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