Jason Hollinger / CC BY 2.0
garden
Ranunculus
Ranunculus aconitifolius
Overview
Layer upon layer of tissue-paper-thin petals create some of the most exquisitely beautiful flowers in the garden — ranunculus blooms look like tiny, perfect roses. These cool-season bulbs are a mainstay of the cut flower industry, prized for their long vase life and romantic appeal. They bloom from fall-planted corms in mild climates or spring-started plants in colder zones.
Growing Conditions
LightPartial Sun
Hardiness Zones6 — 10
Height0.72m
Spread0.63m
Growth HabitForb/herb
Pollinator Valuehigh
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Soil pH6 — 7
Soil TypeRich, well-drained, sandy loam
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Start Indoors | Feb — Mar | Pre-sprout corms in damp soil indoors; plant out after last frost; grow as annual |
| Cold (1-2) | Bloom | Jun — Jul | Papery layered petals; cut when buds are marshmallow-soft for 10+ day vase life |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | Apr — May | Plant pre-sprouted corms after last frost; soak corms 4 hours before planting |
| Cool (3-4) | Bloom | May — Jul | Late spring/summer bloom; harvest frequently for more flowers |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Oct — Nov | Plant in fall for spring bloom; claw-like corms go points down |
| Moderate (5-7) | Bloom | Mar — May | Spring bloom from fall-planted corms |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Oct — Nov | Fall planting; blooms late winter/spring; excellent cut flower |
| Warm (8-9) | Bloom | Feb — Apr | Late winter/spring bloom; prized cut flower |
| Hot (10+) | Transplant | Nov — Dec | Plant in late fall; cool-season grower; dies in summer heat |
| Hot (10+) | Bloom | Jan — Mar | Winter bloom; fades when temps hit 80°F |
Uses
Other Uses
- Premier cut flower with rose-like layered petals
- Wedding and event floral design staple
- Cool-season container and bed planting
