Ranunculus grow from claw-like corms planted in cool weather. Plant them 4-6 cm deep, claws down, in full sun and well-drained soil. Soak for 2-3 hours if you want faster sprouting. Water consistently without waterlogging. Expect blooms in about 90 days and vase life of up to 12 days when cut at the marshmallow stage.
Ranunculus might look like delicate wedding flowers, but don’t let their beauty fool you. These flowers are surprisingly tough, wonderfully productive, and perfect for anyone who wants a flush of florist-quality blooms at home.
Every season I get the same questions again and again. And you know what? They’re the same questions people type into Google. So here is a practical, friendly guide answering all the most-searched ranunculus questions in one place.
If you're new here and planning to grow your own, you’re welcome to visit the shop and check out our collections.
Rainbow Ruffle Ranunculus Collection
The Most Googled Questions About Ranunculus – Answered
1. What exactly are ranunculus corms?
Ranunculus don’t grow from “bulbs” but from corms that look like small black octopuses. Remember the legs point downward when you plant.
If you’re ever unsure which way is up, the legs-down rule will save you every time.
2. When should I plant ranunculus in South Africa?
Ranunculus love cool weather. The ideal planting window is:
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March/April (I use easter as my planting date)
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May
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Early June if you want your blooms a bit later.
Many gardeners stagger plantings a few weeks apart to stretch the blooming season.
3. Should I soak the corms before planting?
You don’t have to, but soaking for 2-3 hours in room-temperature water plumps them up and helps them wake up faster.
Do not soak overnight. That’s the quickest way to create a mushy disappointment.
4. Should I pre-sprout the corms?
Pre-sprouting can help in very cold regions or if you want earlier flowers.
But if your soil is cool and conditions are right, you can plant straight into the ground.
5. Which way up do I plant them?
Nice and simple: claws down, eye up.
The “eye” is the top where the sprout will form.
6. How deep and far apart should I plant ranunculus?
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Depth: 4-6 cm depending on the corm size - larger corms deeper
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Spacing: 10-15 cm
Tighter spacing produces more stems but airflow is important to keep them healthy.
7. Can I grow ranunculus in pots?
Yes. Use a well-draining potting mix, avoid water sitting in saucers, and give them full sun. They do beautifully in containers when drainage is right.
8. Do ranunculus like sun or shade?
They love full sun in cool weather.
In very warm spells, light afternoon shade can help prolong blooming.
9. What soil do they need?
Ranunculus thrive in rich, loose, well-draining soil.
If your soil holds water or you tend to overwater, raised beds or pots may be your best friends.
10. How often should I water ranunculus?
Keep the soil moist but never soggy.
Deep, occasional watering is better than little daily sprinkles. Soggy soil = rot.
11. How long do ranunculus take to sprout?
Be patient. They first develop roots, then shoots.
Sprouting can take several weeks, sometimes up to 8, especially in very cool conditions.
12. How long until ranunculus flower?
Usually about 90 days after planting, depending on temperature and planting time.
13. How long will the flowers last?
Expect roughly 4–6 weeks of continuous blooms, especially if you keep cutting and the weather stays cool.
14. When should I cut ranunculus for the vase?
For the best vase life, cut at the marshmallow stage:
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The bud is coloured
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Not tight, not fully open
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Soft, like a little marshmallow
It feels silly but it works beautifully.
15. How long do ranunculus last in a vase?
When cut correctly and placed in clean water:
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10–12 days vase life
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Sometimes even longer in cooler homes
16. Why are my ranunculus not flowering?
The top culprits:
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Weather too warm
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Not enough sun
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Too much nitrogen
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Waterlogged roots
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Poorly drained soil
Cool conditions, sun and drainage will fix most problems.
17. Why are my ranunculus rotting?
Rot is caused by excess moisture.
Solutions:
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Improve drainage
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Water less often, more deeply
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Avoid leaving pots standing in water
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Don’t over-soak corms
18. Are ranunculus toxic to pets?
Yes. They can be toxic to cats and dogs if eaten, like many buttercups. Best to keep curious nibblers away.
19. What do I do after flowering?
Let the leaves yellow naturally. This builds energy in the corm for next season.
Reduce watering as the plant dies back.
In areas with wet summers, you can lift and store the corms once fully dormant.
If you want to grow beautiful ranunculus, check out my Tried & Trusted page for tools such as snips and my secret fertilizer which I use for dahlias and ranunculus.
Growing ranunculus doesn’t need to be complicated. Once you understand their rhythm, they’re generous, hardworking plants that reward you with handfuls of silky, layered blooms. I hope this guide helps you grow your best crop yet.
She who loves dahlias (and ranunculus too),
Mareli