How to choose the best ranunculus bulbs
Ranunculus flowers are expensive to buy from a florist, but surprisingly easy to grow yourself at home. Did you know that ranunculus flowers technically grow from corms rather than bulbs? The little claw-like corms are very distinctive. As long as you place them the right way up, claws facing down, they’ll shoot up in spring. Check our guide to growing ranunculus to pick up more essential growing tips. Our FAQs below will help you to choose the right variety for your outside space.
Which ranunculus bulbs are cut and come again?
All of our ranunculus bulbs react well to being cut. Cutting the blooms actually prompts the ranunculus plant to produce more flowers in the early summer when they start to appear. Use clean, sharp scissors and snip each flower with a nice long portion of stem to pop into a vase.
Which ranunculus bulbs are hardy?
Most ranunculus bulbs are hardy in the UK. In milder areas, the best time to plant your ‘Persian buttercups’ in the ground is autumn. This gives the roots plenty of time to develop over winter. If you’re further north, try planting your bulbs in containers and keep them undercover during the winter. Move the pots outdoors when warmer weather arrives in spring to kickstart growth.
Are ranunculus bulbs perennial?
Most ranunculus bulbs are perennial. The only exception are the showy ‘Persian buttercup’ varieties that can be unreliable in their second year, so are best treated as annuals. That’s because they use vast amounts of energy in the summer of the first year producing such spectacular, double-petalled blooms.
Which ranunculus are best for cut flowers?
The best place to start if you want plenty of double-petalled cut blooms is with our Ranunculus ‘Mixed’. This delightful collection features a huge array of colours, speckled petals and large flower heads that unfurl throughout early summer. They’re perfect for picking and displaying in a vase indoors!
