Ranunculus are loved for their beautiful, full flowers that brighten up any garden. But how do you ensure that they grow optimally? The secret is to force the bulbs before you plant them in the ground. In this blog post I will explain step by step what you need to do as soon as you receive ranunculus bulbs.
Why Prefer Ranunculus?
Ranunculus corms need a head start to grow well. By letting them germinate prematurely, you give them a flying start. This results in stronger plants and a longer flowering period.
What Do You Need?
- Ranunculus corms
- A bowl of water
- A well-draining potting soil with vermiculite
- Pots or growing trays
Step 1: Soak the tubers
When you receive your ranunculus, they are often dry and firm. The first thing you do is soak them in lukewarm water for a few hours (4-6 hours). This will swell them up and make them ready to grow.
Step 2: Plant the tubers
Fill your pots or seed trays with well-draining potting soil, possibly mixed with some vermiculite. Place the soaked corms with the “legs” down and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Make sure the pots get a cool place, for example a garage.
Step 3: Please be patient
Give the corms just enough water: make sure the soil stays moist but not too wet to prevent rot. After about 10 days, the first roots and foliage will be visible. This is the sign that your ranunculus is ready to be put in a pot.
Bonus Tip: Perfect Planting Spot
Ranunculus likes a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Ranunculus is the ideal cut flower for spring. They prefer to grow in a cooler season than in a warm summer. By planting them in time, you give them the chance to create enough stem length during the cooler growing season. They are sensitive to frost at -5°C. A frost cloth will help you out of trouble.
Curious about how this process looks in practice? Then watch my YouTube video where I show you everything step by step: link to video .
Conclusion
With these simple steps, you can be sure of healthy, blooming ranunculus in your garden. Get started today and make the most of these colorful spring flowers! 🌷
Are you ready to get started? Order your ranunculus bulbs today in my webshop and enjoy a colorful garden soon!