Growing Ranunculus in a Subtropical Climate

Growing these beautiful blooms can be tricky in a subtropical climate. Our winters are quite short, and the spring days often feel like Summer! The weather changes each year, bringing new challenges. After five years of growing ranunculus, here are some tips and tricks I have learnt along the way. 

Pre-sprouting ranunculus corms

Ranunculus corms can look a bit like dried spiders with no life in them. I begin pre-sprouting in early May, once the weather has cooled. They do not like warm and humid conditions. This is where I have learnt a lot and made quite a few mistakes!

To soak or not to soak? 

For a few years, I soaked my corms in water for an hour, but this increased the risk of rot and mould, resulting in unviable corms. Now, I place the dry corms on a layer of damp soil in a ventilated tray, then lightly cover them will more soil. I keep my trays in the spare bathroom, which stays cool and gets a little light.

Watering

Finding the right balance of moisture is tricky. If you overwater, you risk rotting the corms. If you underwater, they will not have enough moisture to develop roots. I aim to water lightly every second day or when the soil surface starts to look dry. 

Sunshine

Once the corms have started to send up shoots, start to give them a little bit of sun in a cool spot.

Planting

When the corms have developed a few leaves, they are ready to plant out in a sunny garden bed. I try to get them in the ground by mid May so they can enjoy the cool season before blooming in August. Their new white roots are delicate, so handle with care during planting. 

Flowers

These plants really benefit from consistent picking. Once a flower has been picked it signals to the plant to bloom even more. Pick your flowers regularly to encourage a longer flowering period.

Collecting the corms

Once the plants have finished flowering and begin to dry out, it’s time to lift and store the corms for next season.  Use a garden fork or small spade to gently lift them from the soil. Let them dry completely in a shaded, airy spot. Once dry, brush off the excess soil, trim the dried stalks and separate any new corms that may have formed. Store them in a box in a cool, dry place until next season.

Growing ranunculus in a subtropical climate has some challenges, but with some patience and seasonal adjustments, it’s totally doable! And the reward of dreamy blooms is so worth it!