Ranunculus (ranunculus astiaticus)

The very large genus of Ranunculaceae comprises about 250 types of plants with very different growing patterns and appearances. The one shown here is most commonly grown in gardens, and when grouped together these plants make a spectacular show of color.

These plants, native to Asia Minor are tuberous-rooted with fresh green, fern like leaves. They bloom profusely in spring and each flowering stalk bears one to four 3-5 inch wide, double blossoms not unlike a small peony. The flowers of the ranunculus come in white, cream and many shades of yellow, orange, red and pink. The Tecolote Giant strain comes in single colors, mixed colors and picotees. The Bloomingdale strain offers the same variety in a dwarf plant 8-10 inches high. All types of this flowers grow equally well in pots or in the ground.

If you would like to see a truly spectacular vision of these flowers and are anywhere near San Diego, then a visit to the Flower Fields in Carlsbad is a must. Here fields of ranunculus grow in a blaze of color and look from a distance like the tulip fields in Amsterdam, they even have windmills. Every year they have specials which this year include, roses, sweet peas, poinsettias and flowers which form the "American Flag of Flowers". You can visit and learn the history of the flower fields, take classes or purchase bulbs to take away.

Ranunculus Facts:

Temperature: Tuberous roots are hardy to 10 degrees F, 12 degrees C in Zones 4-9, 12-24, plant in fall for bloom in winter and early spring. Beyond hardiness range, plant in spring as soon as ground is workable.

Light: Grow in full sun.

Water: Plant in well drained soil and water regularly.

Ongoing Care while flowering: Remove faded flowers to encourage more bloom.

Care After Flowering: When flowering tapers off and leaves start to yellow, stop watering the plants and allow the foliage to die back. Where tuberous roots are hardy in the ground, they can be left undisturbed. However, in California most gardens dig up the plants when the foliage turns yellow, cut off the tops, let roots dry out for a week or two and store them in a cool, dry place until planting time the following year.

The above information and much more can be found in the Sunset Western Garden Book, a great resource for caring for your plants.