Ranunculus are one of the most delightful flowers to grow in the spring garden. Their lush, layered blooms in shades of pink, red, yellow, white and purple are irresistible. Ranunculus look almost like miniature roses and have a lovely, spicy fragrance.
These charismatic flowers make fantastic cut flowers too. Their delicate blossoms last up to a week in a vase bringing spring cheer indoors.
While ranunculus give a lot of joy in the garden, they do require some special care. Ranunculus are not perennials. They grow from corms which must be dug up and stored over winter if you want flowers next year
Fortunately, saving ranunculus corms is easy if you follow a few simple steps. Here is a complete guide to digging, drying and storing ranunculus corms for replanting next spring.
When to Dig Up Ranunculus Corms
Ranunculus bloom in spring and early summer. As temperatures climb in early summer, the flowers fade and the foliage starts to yellow. This is a sign that the plants are going dormant.
Once the leaves have completely yellowed, it’s time to dig up the corms. Do this right away once the plants are no longer green, as voles and moles like to eat the corms.
Digging up the corms in early to mid summer allows time for them to dry out before storing them for the winter.
How to Dig and Handle Ranunculus Corms
Follow these steps for digging and handling ranunculus corms:
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Use a garden fork to gently loosen the soil around the plants.
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Carefully dig under each plant to lift out the corms.
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Try to keep the fibrous roots intact as much as possible.
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Cut off the foliage, leaving about an inch of stem attached to each corm.
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Rinse off any excess soil and lay the corms out to dry.
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Spread the corms in a single layer on newspaper or screens.
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Place them in a warm, well-ventilated location out of direct sunlight.
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Allow the corms to dry for 2-3 weeks, turning them periodically.
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When fully dry, the corms will feel light and crispy.
Storing Ranunculus Corms Over Winter
Proper storage is key to getting ranunculus corms through the winter in good shape. Follow these tips for successful ranunculus corm storage:
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Make sure corms are fully dried out before storage. Any moisture can lead to rot.
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Place dried corms in breathable mesh bags or paper bags. Plastic promotes moisture buildup.
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Label bags with the variety name so you remember what’s what.
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Store bags of corms in a cool place around 40-50°F. A basement or unheated room works well.
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Avoid storing corms where they will freeze solid or get too warm. Temperatures between 32-55°F are ideal.
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Check periodically for any signs of mold or rotting. Discard affected corms immediately.
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Keep corms in a dark location. Light can cause them to sprout prematurely.
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have beautiful, healthy ranunculus corms to replant next spring. The small effort of digging and storing the corms pays off in vibrant flowers year after year.
Troubleshooting Ranunculus Corm Storage Issues
Sometimes ranunculus corms run into problems during storage over winter. Here are some common issues and how to prevent them:
Moldy Corms
If corms weren’t dried out fully before storage, mold can develop. Discard any corms with mold immediately so it doesn’t spread. Next year, allow more time for thorough drying after digging.
Rotting Corms
Rot can occur from too much moisture during storage. Make sure to store ranunculus corms in breathable bags in a location with low humidity. Discard any rotting corms as soon as you notice them.
Rodent Damage
Mice or voles may nibble on corms in storage. Prevent this by placing bags of corms in rodent-proof bins or areas. Traps can also help control rodents.
Premature Sprouting
If corms are exposed to light or warmer temperatures, they may start to sprout in storage. Be sure to keep them in complete darkness near 40°F. If sprouting starts, move to a cooler spot.
Replanting Ranunculus Corms in Spring
After their rest period in storage over winter, ranunculus corms are ready to be replanted in spring. Follow these tips for success:
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Start corms indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected spring frost.
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Plant with the pointed end up in high quality potting mix. Bury 1-2 inches deep.
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Grow at 60-65°F until sprouted, then move to a sunny, cool spot.
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Harden off seedlings, then transplant to the garden after all danger of frost.
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Plant corms 3-4 inches deep and 6 inches apart in fertile, well-drained soil.
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Water regularly if rainfall is lacking, especially when buds appear.
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Apply liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks for abundant blooms.
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Enjoy a bountiful display of cheerful ranunculus flowers!
Saving ranunculus corms takes a little time and care up front, but the reward is years of exceptional flowers. Follow these tips for digging, drying, storing and replanting your corms, and you’ll be able to enjoy Ranunculus season after season.
Deciding on What Size Ranunculus Corms to Purchase
There are different sizes of ranunculus corms available, much like anemones, that can be purchased.
When you buy something in a store, you will usually not have many options. But if you are a commercial grower buying from a wholesaler, they will usually have sizes 2/3, 3/4, 4/5, and 5/7. The corms are measured in centimeters; the larger the number, the larger the corm. The price of a corm goes up with its size, which could make the smaller sizes more appealing.
I think you should not go smaller than 3/4, and I usually get the bigger size. It costs more, but it is worth it in the end. We live in Nevada’s high desert, which is on the other side of the Sierras from Lake Tahoe. It is a beautiful area, but it is also difficult to grow in most of the season. As of two days ago, there was a pretty good frost here, in between days that were almost 90 degrees. This is tough on plant babies, especially our fickle friend the ranunculus.
The plants that grow from bigger corms are stronger and better able to handle our crazy weather changes. People who live in mild climates might not need to do this, but people who live in cooler or harsher climates should buy the bigger corms.
Late Winter-Early Spring Planting Ranunculus
Our lives aren’t always in order in the fall to plant ranunculus the right way, so we do most of our planting in late winter or early spring.
There is also a calculation outside of being overwhelmed in the fall for this reasoning. Even though our winters are harsh, we want our ranunculus to be in bloom for our late spring and summer weddings. Commonly, we plant out our ranunculus March through April under double low tunnels. This gives us ranunculus from May to late June.
When you can safely plant your ranunculus will depend on your climate and the way your garden is set up.
Ranunculus simply aren’t quite as tough as anemones.
The best place for these plants is under micro tunnels, low tunnels, double low tunnels, or high tunnels. The low tunnels may be taken down when the weather gets better.
The better you can control their environment, the more bounty and quality crops you reap.
Ranunculus can be succession planted in three to four-week intervals fall through early spring in most growing regions.
Just remember, they are Goldilocks: not too hot or cold.
Yay! You’ve made it to planting day.
This is even more exciting if you pre-sprouted your ranunculus corms.
How to Save Ranunculus Corms // Digging, Dividing, and Storing Ranunculus Corms
FAQ
How do you save ranunculus next year?
How long do ranunculus corms last in storage?
What to do with ranunculus after flowering?
Should I pull out my Ranunculus corms?
If you pull out your ranunculus corms while the foliage is still green, you could be sacrificing next year’s blooms! It’s best to wait until they have completely died back and the leaves and stems are dry and brittle.
How do you store Ranunculus corms?
Here’s how to store Ranunculus corms effectively: 1.**Timing Matters**: If you’re in an area prone to freezing temperatures, it’s essential to dig up the corms before the cold weather sets in.Wait until
How do you care for a Ranunculus corm?
A basement, garage, or even a cold corner of your refrigerator can work well. Checking On The Corms: If possible, check on your ranunculus corms every few days to make sure the soil isn’t drying out. Add a bit of water to keep moist ( not drenched!). Sprouting: Be patient!
How do you dig up Ranunculus corms?
Ranunculus corms aren’t planted very deep, so it’s fairly easy to dig them up. I recommend using a small garden fork rather than a shovel so you don’t accidentally cut through them. Place the tines of the garden fork a few inches away from the dried stem of the ranunculus plant.