About Ranunculus
The ranunculus is one of the most popular flowers in the world, and its popularity comes as no surprise. It has layers upon layers of delicately ruffled petals, and it comes in a seemingly endless array of colors. The flowers are often used for spring bouquets and wedding arrangements because they have a bright, cheerful appearance and are available in many different shades. Many people choose to plant ranunculus bulbs in their gardens because they are easy to grow and come back year after year.
The ranunculus belongs to the genus Ranunculus, which literally means “little frog” in Latin. This refers to the fact that many species of this plant grow near water. There are about 600 species of ranunculus plants, including the buttercup, which is actually the common name for a specific species known as Ranunculus repens. Buttercups can be found growing wild all over Europe, Asia, North America, and North Africa.
Ranunculuses can grow up to 3 feet high and spread up to 1 foot wide. They produce delicate, double-petaled blooms in colors like red, orange, yellow, pink, and white. Ranunculuses are perennials that grow from tubers or rhizomes that die back each year after blooming.
The Benefits of Having Ranunculus Plant at Home
1. Ranunculus asiaticus is a common ornamental flower, with many varieties and colors. It has a strong ornamental effect and is suitable for growing on the balcony.
2. Ranunculus asiaticus contains a variety of nutrients, including protein, sugar, fat, vitamin C, carotene, calcium and phosphorus. Its leaves are rich in vitamins B1 and B2.
3. Ranunculus asiaticus can be regarded as a medicinal material with a certain curative effect. It has the functions of clearing heat and detoxifying, relieving pain and swelling, promoting blood circulation, and removing blood stasis.
4. Ranunculus asiaticus is also an edible flower, which can be used to make all kinds of snacks such as cake and Moon cake stuffing. If you eat it often, it has the effects of refreshing your mind and nourishing qi, beauty skincare, and delaying aging.
Growing Ranunculus
If you’re a novice gardener, you don’t have to feel like your thumb isn’t green. In fact, it’s easy to grow this plant even if you’re not an expert! Check out what we prepared for:
Step 1: Prepare the Soil
To prepare the soil for your ranunculus, dig a hole 8-10 inches deep and wide. Mix in some compost or aged manure to create a rich, well-draining environment. If your soil is sandy or contains a lot of clay, you can mix in some perlite or sand.
Step 2: Plant the Bulbs
If your bulbs are large, you will have to plant them more than 6 inches apart. If they are small, place them 6 inches apart. Plant them with their tips facing up and cover them with rich soil mixed with compost and/or manure.
Step 3: Mulch Your Bulbs
Mulching will help keep the soil cool for your bulbs and prevent weeds from growing around them. Choose mulch that will allow water to seep into the ground easily like bark chips or cocoa shells. Pine needles should be avoided because they tend to rot before they decompose completely.
Step 4: Water Your Bulbs
Water your bulbs generously for about three weeks after planting. After this period, give them about one inch of water each week until it is time for them to bloom again in the fall!
Caring Ranunculus
It’s no surprise that this flower is a popular choice for bouquets and other decorative arrangements, given its round shape and bright colors. Be familiar with this care guide so you’ll know how to make them shine!
Light / Sun Shade
Ranunculus plants love the sun, so make sure you put them in a spot where they’ll get plenty of light throughout the day. You can also supplement sunlight with grow lights, which will help your flowers thrive.
Watering
Ranunculus plants prefer moist soil, but don’t water them too frequently, or else you risk drowning them. The best way to determine when to water your plant is to stick your finger into the soil: if it feels dry to the touch, it’s time to water!
Soil Condition
The best soil for Ranunculus is rich, loose, and well-draining. You can make your own mix by combining equal parts potting soil, sand, and peat moss.
Fertilizer
When They’re First Potted: Ranunculus should be fertilized at half strength every two weeks from the time they are first potted until they bloom (Bloom time is usually in the late winter or early spring.)
When They Have Buds: Once your ranunculus has buds, use ¼ strength fertilizer every week until they bloom. Don’t overdo it!
After They Bloom: Once your ranunculus has bloomed, reduce the frequency of fertilization to once every three months.
Propagating Ranunculus
Propagating plants can be tricky, but it’s actually pretty easy with Ranunculus. You just have to:
Pick out a young plant
Dig up some soil from your garden and look for a “mother” plant that is young, healthy, and preferably a few years old. Use a shovel to dig around the plant and pick it up by the roots.
Choose a healthy spot in your garden
Look for somewhere with the right amount of sunlight, drainage, and access to water. The bottom of a slope is often a good choice, as it will naturally drain well and have plenty of sunlight access.
Prepare the ground so that it’s ready to receive new plants. You can do this by digging holes or simply loosening up the soil around your chosen spot with a shovel or rake.
Cut off some stems from the “mother” plant
Make sure that each stem you cut is about 6 inches long and contains at least one leaf node (the part where leaves grow from). Cut these stems at an angle so that they can absorb more water more easily.
Plant your new stems in your chosen area and cover them with soil. And see them once in a while to check their condition.
Pest and Disease Control
These beautiful garden flowers are relatively easy to grow and can thrive for years with proper care. But did you know that they’re also susceptible to diseases and pests?
Weeds
Weeds can be controlled by covering the soil with mulch or black plastic. Hoeing and hand weeding may also be necessary to eliminate weeds.
Diseases
Fungus diseases are a major problem for a ranunculus. Several fungicides are effective in controlling leaf spots and powdery mildew, including Chlorothalonil (Daconil) and Mancozeb (Manzate). To prevent infection, avoid wetting foliage when watering; water the soil rather than the plants.
Pests
Ranunculus are not bothered by many serious insect pests, but aphids and slugs may sometimes feed on the plants. Most infestations can be controlled with a strong blast of water from a garden hose. Otherwise, insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils are effective treatments for these pests.