Today, ranunculus is increasingly gaining popularity among gardeners. This charming plant also has the beautiful name of Asian buttercup. Varieties of this plant are quite diverse, both in shape and color. Ranunculus with large, double flowers is not uncommon, but smaller buds are no less charming.
Asian buttercups can be grown both outdoors and indoors on a windowsill. These flowers often make a wonderful addition to bouquets or home decor. This charming plant can be found for sale in late autumn, although many experts recommend purchasing tubers in February or March.
Many gardeners share this opinion, as ranunculus tubers must be stored at a specific temperature, as improper storage often results in them becoming unsuitable for future growth. In short, amateur gardeners often find themselves disappointed with the germination rate of this plant when attempting to grow it, but in most cases, it turns out that the rootstock is improperly stored.
Moderate humidity and the correct storage temperature, typically 15–19°C (59–65°F), allow the plant to retain all its vital growth properties. Furthermore, during storage, ranunculus tubers require proper care, including turning them over from one side to the other to ensure adequate oxygen supply, which is essential for this plant.
Ranunculus: planting and care in open ground, photos, allow you to take a closer look at the beautiful plant that results from properly preserved tubers. After all, many gardeners often wait a long time for this plant to emerge. Therefore, it's also important to know that this plant prefers peat-rich soil. If black soil is used, it should be diluted with sand and humus in equal proportions.
When planting Asian buttercups, many experts confidently share their experience, stating that this plant doesn't tolerate strong sunlight, preferring partial shade. Sun exposure is necessary, but in limited quantities; otherwise, this beauty may disappoint its owners and die or fail to bloom properly.
Ranunculus takes several months to germinate, so it's best to plant it in April. Naturally, climate conditions vary from region to region, so it's important to note that frost can kill the tubers. Therefore, the best time to plant is up to each individual.
This crop isn't considered a fussy plant, but it does require some care. To ensure the perfect conditions for flowering, the tubers should be protected from freezing. Therefore, many experienced gardeners cover the area with dry straw after planting in open ground. The straw also helps retain moisture by shielding the soil from sunlight, preventing it from drying out or eroding quickly. Therefore, you won't need to water the plant as often, as the spring sun can be particularly hot.
It's worth noting that the germination rate of this plant's seedlings is quite low, so novice gardeners need to be extremely careful and attentive. Unsuitable conditions will quickly lead to the plant's death.
When collecting planting material, it's best to wrap the ranunculus in cheesecloth. The seeds of this plant are quite small and easily fall to the ground, where they are difficult to collect. After harvesting, store the seeds in a dry place at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit). This step is considered important for the subsequent germination of ranunculus tubers.
After this, in February, you can prepare suitable soil for sowing the seeds. For further ease of care, garden boxes are best, as they are easy to sow, as even seed distribution is difficult. Moreover, many experienced gardeners often use a special phytolamp, which is directed at the glass covering the boxes.
After this, in April, you can transplant the flowers and, if there's no risk of frost, plant them outdoors. As described above, cover the planting site with straw. This approach will effectively protect the plants from potential temperature fluctuations. After this, caring for this crop becomes less rigorous and requires no special effort.
Watering should be done every three days, but again, pay attention to the soil moisture level. Ranunculus doesn't like soggy soil. Excess moisture can be seen on the plant's leaves; they will develop a white coating. This coating indicates excess moisture at the plant's roots. In this case, watering should be stopped; otherwise, the roots may simply rot in the damp soil, and the plant will die.
It's not uncommon for the plant to drop its buds if it's overwatered. However, it's important to note that this plant also doesn't tolerate dry soil. If this happens, the leaves will become covered with rusty spots or a yellow coating. If the buds don't fully open, wilt, and fall off, this also indicates dry soil.
After watering, the next day, when the soil has dried out, loosen the soil. This will ensure adequate oxygen flow to the roots. Weeds should also be removed promptly, as they can cause the plant's death by disrupting the root system.
Ranunculus is a plant that requires careful care, so many consider it a fickle and troublesome plant, which discourages them from growing it. However, with proper care, everything seems much less difficult, and the results are truly rewarding and enjoyable.
And how to grow and care for a flower like aster, we read in our article here.