Content
Various types of buttercups are found in Europe, Asia and Africa. The subject of interest for gardeners is the cultivation of Asian plants, better known as ranunculus, planting and outdoor care for these spectacular flowers with semi-double or terry corollas.
The magnificent flowers that resemble roses fall in love at first sight, but only the most purposeful and patient summer residents will be able to see them in their flower beds.
Planting ranunculus outdoors in spring
Ranunculus are rhizomatous perennials with a short dormant period, during which small finger-like tubers retain nutrients and moisture. Vegetation lasts from early spring, when the arrival of heat and moisture stimulates the awakening of sprouts, and until autumn. At home, tubers overwinter in the ground, but in central Russia they must be dug up and stored in a dry room at a temperature of 14–17 ° C.
The time to plant ranunculus outdoors in spring depends on the climate of the particular region. Suitable conditions in the middle lane begin in mid-April and persist until the end of May. The soil in the garden has warmed up enough, but it still stores the thawed moisture. This will help the Asiatic buttercup to awaken to form friendly shoots.
If the spring is protracted, and there is a danger of returning cold weather, it is better to cover the planting with a greenhouse or pre-plant the awakening tubers in large peat pots.
If the ranunculus rhizomes stored in the fall or bought the day before have dried up, before they reach the flower beds, the tubers are immersed in a growth stimulator solution for 12-24 hours and treated with potassium permanganate.
To simplify the care of ranunculus in the open field, planting is planned where the buttercups will be well lit, but will not be affected by the wind and the hot midday sun. If the groundwater at the site is close, drainage must be provided, and a loose fertile substrate is also prepared.
In the spring, planting ranunculus in open ground is carried out to a depth of 5–7 centimeters, while leaving a gap of about 15 cm between the plants, which will be required for the growing rosettes of cut leaves.
If the plant receives proper care, young tubers appear on each adult rhizome in the fall, which are separated and also stored until spring. The next year, the babies are planted along with other buttercups, and the strongest ones can bloom contribute to the natural rejuvenation of the collection.
Ranunculus care after planting in open ground
The weather in spring is changeable, so the first thing to do after planting ranunculus in the ground in Siberia, the Urals or the Non-Black Earth Region is to cover the area with a film or non-woven covering material. Such protection will not be superfluous until the sprouts hatch and gain strength.
The greenery above the flower bed is shown in 10-12 days. Since the plant is moisture-loving, the soil surface above the tubers can be mulched. This will save time on maintenance:
- will keep water in the ground;
- will not let the roots dry out or rot due to an incorrectly selected irrigation regime;
- will prevent or slow down the growth of weeds.
For buttercups, it is equally dangerous to dry out and excessive watering, which can cause rotting and the development of bacterial infections. After planting in open ground, ranunculus care does not end with traditional procedures.
The lush flowering of a buttercup requires abundant nutrition. Plant feeding is carried out immediately after planting. A liquid organic fertilizer, such as an infusion of humus or manure, stimulates the mouth of the greens. Then young sockets with irrigation give a complex mineral fertilizer with a high potassium content.
Regular feeding of ranunculus is carried out while the plant is blooming. They not only stimulate growth and flowering, but also help replenish strength, accumulate nutrients for the next season.
When to dig out ranunculus from open ground? The Asian buttercup itself will tell you the right moment. After the flowers wither, the foliage begins to wither, a new one is almost not formed.
Small, finger-like tubers and digging are easy to damage, so they:
- removed very carefully;
- then dried;
- sort out, separating tubers with traces of rot, damage by insects or fungi;
- placed in containers, layering with paper.
Damaged rhizomes, if the damage is small, can be preserved by treating them with hot water heated to 50–55 ° C before storage, and then with a systemic fungicide.
If the planting was carried out correctly, and then the plants receive full care, they will certainly delight the gardener with incredible beauty and tenderness of flowering, lasting more than a month.
How to grow an Asian ranunculus buttercup in your country house, planting and caring for which requires some conventions? Let's look at all the nuances, features of growing this flower. Ranunculus is a flower of amazing beauty and tenderness, depending on the species, it can have a fairly diverse range of colors, the size of the buds. Despite the fact that this plant is not yet so popular with us, due to its attractiveness it is winning more and more fans who want to have it in their country house or in a pot at home.
The ranunculus flower can reach a diameter of 7-10 cm, the petals are located tightly to each other, outwardly it somewhat resembles a peony, and when it finally blooms - a rose. Some ranunculus varieties look like blossoming poppies.
Its varieties have quite eloquent names - peony ranunculus, French semi-double ranunculus, Persian, turban, and others. Peony, as the name implies, are outwardly similar to peonies, have large double buds. The French variety is distinguished by medium-sized semi-double flowers, the Persian ranunculus is simpler in appearance, low, flowers can be regular or semi-double. Chalmoid representatives boast especially large spherical buds, lush, double.
Ranunculus, photo of flowers: 
Today there are about 600 varieties of this beautiful flower, and the shades of the buds are simply amazing. On sale, you can often see soft pastel colors of buds (white, cream, pink, lilac). Bright orange, deep red, dark purple, even blue ranunculus are bred by breeders today.
The plant itself has a long flowering period (from May to August), the buds bloom rather slowly, and the cut flower can stand in a vase of water for up to 14 days without losing its attractiveness. Thanks to this feature, ranunculus is successfully used for composing wedding bouquets for brides, decorating tables, terraces, and giving the interior a festive atmosphere.
Ranunculus, photo:
↑ back to content ↑ Nuances of growing ranunculus
There are some simple rules that will help you achieve positive results:
- Wherever you grow a flower, at home or on a plot, it should be borne in mind that ranunculus does not tolerate transplantation - the place for it must be finally and irrevocably chosen.
- During budding, flowering, it is imperative to make potassium supplements (potassium salt, potassium sulfate), feeding with limestone will also be relevant.
- According to the recommendations of gardeners who have experience in growing this flower, fertilizers for ranunculus at all stages of growth should include vermicompost.
- During the application of fertilizing, the flowers should be in the shade (evening, cloudy day), the amount of water for irrigation should be reduced - such "tricks" prolong the flowering period of the ranunculus. For this period, indoor flower pots or containers are also best moved to a shaded place.
- Please note that this flower is not frost-resistant. Before the onset of the first cold weather, you must have time to remove the tubers from the soil, usually this is done immediately after the foliage dries.
- In one container, you can plant varieties of different colors, the resulting bush will delight your eyes with multicolor, brightness of shades.
During flowering, remove faded buds in time, thus, you will give strength, stimulus to new flowers.
↑ to contents ↑ Ranunculus flower in the country
When planning to grow a flower in open soil, prepare the ground in advance: when digging, you can immediately add compost to it, and also pour it with a solution of foundationazole (the dosage is indicated on the package). What the plant does not like is loamy soil, ranunculus loves light fertile soil, mixed with sand and humus, black soil is also perfect for it. Peat with chalk (chalk neutralizes it) will be to his liking, do not forget to provide the plant with good drainage - pour sand or very fine gravel at the bottom of the flower hole. The main requirement for the soil is good moisture absorption (water should not stay at the roots for a long time).
Ranunculus does not tolerate waterlogging of the soil, therefore, it is imperative to lay good drainage in the planting hole, with a layer of at least 10 cm, from small stones or broken bricks.
This plant is not afraid of bright sunlight, but it feels much better in partial shade (the colors will be brighter and the flowering will last). In a windy area, it is better not to plant ranunculus; also, before planting, you need to be sure that the cold will not return. Depending on the weather conditions in your region, you can start planting tubers by the end of April / mid-May.
Planting material should first be placed in wet sawdust or filled with water at room temperature. You can add a little potassium permanganate to the water or the drug "Kornevin", "Epin", "Zircon" - to stimulate growth. The tubers of the plant are a small "bud" with sharp tips, these tips when planting are buried in the ground (down) to a depth of about 6-8 cm, the distance between the bulbs should be at least 10 cm. After filling with soil, for greater reliability, the place of the future the flower garden can be covered with straw or special material (spunbond). The first flower stalks will appear after a couple of months, and a little later you will be able to admire your own flowering ranunculi.
Ranunculus flowers - planting and care, photo:
It is still worth mentioning seed growing, although this method is rather controversial - poor germination of seed, many conventions. If you have a creative interest and want to try growing ranunculus from seeds, please be patient. As soon as the first buds bloom in your country house, take gauze, carefully wrap the flowers with it. This way you can harvest your seeds after flowering.
By the end of February, sow them in a container with fertile soil, cover with plastic wrap on top, and put them in a well-lit place. At the same time, the air temperature should be +15 .. + 18ºC, the soil should be periodically moistened by irrigation (spray gun).
If you did everything correctly, the first shoots will appear after 15-20 days, by this time the film must be removed.When the seedlings grow paired leaves, it will be time for picking - placement in separate small pots. The ranunculus that has gained strength is planted in the ground in the already established warm weather, but only next year it will be able to please you with flowering.
↑ back to contents ↑ How to care for ranunculus?
Provide the plant with regular but moderate watering - the roots should not be in excessive moisture, otherwise they may rot. If you notice traces of mold on the foliage or discarded buds, this is the first signal that the plant's root system is overmoistened. In this case, remove the affected parts of the flower, loosen the soil, reduce the amount of moisture when watering.
As mentioned above, faded buds need to be cut off, regularly plowed around the plants, and fed with organic matter twice a month. Potash or wood ash is recommended during flowering.
If the ranunculus is sprayed with a solution of the Atlet preparation (1 ml per 1 liter of water) when buds appear, dry inflorescences are removed in a timely manner, then flowering can be extended for 2-3 weeks.
It should be borne in mind that Persian buttercups attract not only the admiring glances of gardeners, but also parasites (aphids, thrips, spider mites). For prevention, before flowering, I spray the plants with a solution of Karbofos (60 g per 8 l of water) or a 0.5% solution of soda ash.
If the summer is very hot, and there has been no rain for a long time, pests can become active - spider mites, aphids, thrips, root nematodes pose a danger to ranunculus. Inspect the plant periodically, if you suddenly notice white spots on the foliage, do not delay processing. In this case, the appropriate insecticides ("Biotlin", "Karbofos", "Mercaptophos") will help you; for prevention, the plant can be irrigated with a weak solution, for example, mercaptophos (2 times a week, 0.2% composition).
Root nematode worms pose a more serious threat, they start in the root system when excessive waterlogging and temperatures of +25 .. + 30 ºC. The fight against them consists in removing the roots from the ground, rinsing with hot water (+55 ºC). The first indicators of the manifestation of a nematode are a slowdown in plant growth, leaf twisting, oval "ulcers" on the roots.
With the onset of autumn days, ranunculus needs to be dug out, yellowing or drying out of the ground part of the plant serves as a signal for action. The foliage with stems is carefully cut with a knife, fragile roots are removed from the ground, making sure that they are not damaged. Since this plant is not frost-resistant, it is better for it to overwinter at a temperature of +4 .. + 7 ºC, for this the tubers are wrapped in paper and stored in a ventilated dark place.
To prevent the future harmonious development of the flower, you can pre-treat the roots with a foundationol solution (hold for 25-30 minutes), and then let them dry well (about three days).
↑ back to content ↑ Ranunculus flowers - planting and care, photo
In truth, there is not much difference in caring for a plant at home or on a plot.
For home growing of ranunculus, it is recommended to purchase a voluminous pot in order to simultaneously plant different varieties in it. This container must necessarily have holes for drainage, the process of planting tubers is similar to the gardening method: preliminary soaking of the bulbs (for 24 hours), fine gravel (or sand) on the bottom of the pot, a peat substrate suitable for the plant.
When the bulbs are properly buried in the soil, their tops should look slightly outward. After planting, the soil should be well watered. At first, keep the container in a room with a temperature not higher than +12 .. + 15 ºC - this is very important (!). Regular but very moderate watering is required.
When shoots appear, they will get a little stronger, the temperature can be raised to +20 .. + 23 ºC, however, during budding, flowering, it should not fall below +18 ºC. High temperatures during flowering are also undesirable - the plant will fade quickly.
The most basic rule for growing ranunculus at home is the presence of good lighting + moderate watering (top, without waterlogging the roots).
The flower shows itself well near windows facing the east or west side, the window sill on the south side is ideal for placing ranunculus.
With the onset of summer, the pot can be taken out to the balcony, fertilizing is applied along with water for irrigation. With the onset of summer heat, the plant can be irrigated with water from a spray bottle.
After the flowering period is over, the container with the flower is transferred to a cool shaded place, where the ranunculus will still grow for some time, gradually falling into a dormant period. Before "falling asleep" foliage, plant stems turn yellow, dry out - this is a normal phenomenon. All this time, the flower should be in a room where the mercury column does not exceed +15 .. + 17 ° C. After the outer part has completely dried, the plant should be transplanted into fresh soil, and after about a month you can see new sprouts.
With proper care for the entire growing season, each tuber gives 5 or 7 shoots, they are carefully removed from the ground, planted in new containers or stored until spring in a cold place (basement or far shelf of the refrigerator, intended for vegetables). It should be borne in mind that tubers lying in the cold will be slightly weaker than fresh ones (the buds will be slightly smaller), which is why many gardeners prefer to buy ranunculus with the onset of spring, buy its fresh tubers.
This beautiful flower has all the necessary qualities to win your affection. During flowering, it will miraculously decorate your summer cottage or apartment, it will be a great addition to a gift if you decide to cut a few buds, form a bouquet of ranunculi. In its beauty, it is not inferior to the queen of the garden - the rose, and the luxurious color range can seriously compete with the well-deserved garden favorites.
Plant a ranunculus on your site, planting and caring for it will not be particularly difficult for you. This plant requires standard care with some nuances - individual characteristics inherent in this garden culture.
↑ back to content ↑ Reviews who planted ranunculus
I planted ranunculus in the usual way at the usual time (May), soaked in water with nodules-claws. Moreover, it is necessary to plant with claws down. It sprouted for a long time, bloomed too modestly, but for a long time, until frost, dissolving one by one its "roses". Perhaps, for a more lush flowering, more planting material is needed, and not 3 nodules as I had. Digging for the winter is required.
Lobelia
My experience has been very successful! I bought 20 roots in the autumn in Prague in OBI and in March I planted them in boxes, and then transplanted them into the front garden. They bloomed so much! could not stop looking!
VEZUHA
Ranunculus are like gladioli, the care is the same, we dig out the roots for the winter and store them either in sawdust or just in a dark place.
Astro4Ka
Let me share my experience. I soak the purchased roots in Epin for 4-5 hours. Then in a flat bowl (very convenient from under the herring) I pour the "living earth" with a layer of 3 cm, moisten it with water, but do not pour it too much. Then I take the swollen roots, turn them over with their paws to the top and spread them on the ground, slightly pressing them. Yes Yes! The growth point is down. I cover the bowl with foil, put it in the refrigerator. After 10 days, I start checking my roots. I lift the spine, check if there are growth buds? (You will immediately understand this) If you have appeared, then I put this root in a pot with the growth point UP. Usually several in one pot. The roots, which have not sprouted, I put back in the bowl, I put them back in the refrigerator. And so I plant it in turn. There are NO lunges! Then there is one more subtlety. I put the pots with planted roots on the balcony. Ranunculus, like anemones, begin to grow at + 12 ° C. On my balcony it happens + 5 ° and + 16 °. If it gets warmer, they can rot.Of course, the temperature rises in the spring, but they are no longer afraid. The bushes have time to take root well. In early June, when the frost passes, I plant it in open ground in partial shade.
Mikhalovna
Ranunculus (buttercup) has recently become popular in home gardens. These flowers look very much like roses, peonies or even chrysanthemums. The flowers are so beautiful that they are often used for wedding bouquets.
There are two ways to grow ranunculus: plant with seeds or tubers, while you can plant the tubers directly in open ground. Next, let's talk in more detail about the features of each of the methods, as well as about further caring for the flower in the garden or in the flower garden.
Planting ranunculus tubers
You can grow ranunculus tubers either by first planting on seedlings, or by immediately planting "octopuses" in open ground. But this must necessarily be preceded by the choice of the optimal timing, soil and correct pre-planting preparation.
When to plant tubers: timing
Many people recommend planting ranunculus tubers from February. But this is wrong, because it is not always possible to organize sufficient daylight hours for the plants, and on an ordinary windowsill, with natural, they will inevitably stretch out. In addition, if we can go out the same tomatoes or peppers, and they quickly gain green mass and subsequently bear fruit normally even elongated specimens, then the delicate flowers of buttercups will not be able to do this. If the seedlings stretch out, then the bloom will be frankly bad.
Therefore, the optimal time for planting ranunculus tubers for seedlings at home is the second half of March - early April.
Container and soil mixture
It is advisable to plant buttercups tubers in separate small pots or individual cups.
Land for growing buttercups seedlings needs light and breathable enough. If you take clay (from lowland peat), in other words, dense, then it will be very difficult for the plant to take nutrients and germinate successfully.
It is advisable to prepare the soil for planting ranunculus from black soil and humus, adding a little sand. Do not forget to make a working drain in the containers.
Preparing tubers for planting: soaking
Place a tissue or rag in the container (you can use a sponge). Further, slightly wet it with a solution of any fungicide ("Maxim Dachnik" or "Fitosporin") or a growth stimulator ("Zircon", "Epin" or "Energen"). Then put ranunculus nodules on it and cover with a dry napkin or rag. It is recommended to cover the container itself with a transparent film. As soon as the tubers swell, you can pull them out. This usually takes 1 to 3 hours.
By the way! Another very interesting way. Pour some earth on the bottom of the container (for example, for roses). The soil is needed here as a substrate that retains moisture and has a slight stimulating effect. Moisturize well and put the nodules (on the legs) on this ground. Spray again and cover with plastic wrap as well.
Important! In no case should the buttercup tubers be completely soaked in water: they should not float in it. Moreover, if they swim, and not sink, then this means that the tubers are too dry and will hardly sprout.
As soon as the first shoots of roots appear, then the tubers of ranunculus can begin to be planted.
Video: how to grow ranunculus
Planting tubers
Some gardeners, on the other hand, recommend not soaking ranunculus tubers before planting. they tend to rot very quickly and be affected by fungal diseases, and immediately plant them in planting containers.
The tubers are planted to the depth of their height, that is, only the top of the ranunculus should remain at the top (tentacles down!), And then covered with earth by 2-3 centimeters and sprayed, preferably with water with the addition of "Fitosporin" (this is for combating fungal diseases, and to stimulate growth).
Video: planting ranunculus tubers
Seedling care after planting
The main condition for the successful cultivation of ranunculus seedlings is a low temperature (somewhere around + 16-18 C). From dry air and temperatures of +25 C degrees, the plants will wither.
Naturally, if you light up the seedlings to the optimal 12-14 hours, this will be a big plus.
Be sure to feed ranunculus seedlings at least once every 2 weeks.
You need to water the seedlings as the soil dries, but remember that she does not like overflow.
Video: planting and caring for ranunculus
Planting seedlings in the garden
It is possible to plant buttercup seedlings in open ground only when the soil warms up to +10 C degrees.
The place for ranunculus in the garden should be chosen the most illuminated and sunny. It is also required that a lot of moisture does not accumulate in this place, because the plant does not like this very much and can rot.
Planting is very simple: take out a seedling along with a lump of earth and lower it into a prepared planting hole, and then slightly add earth.
The distance between buttercups seedlings should be within 10-15 centimeters.
After planting, the plants should be watered and mulched abundantly. If the earth settles, then be sure to add the missing part to the planting.
Video: planting ranunculus in open ground
Planting tubersranunculusdirectly into the open ground
The optimal time for planting ranunculus tubers directly into open ground, as in the case of growing seedlings, is the second half of May, when the soil warms up to +10 C degrees.
Before planting with bulbs, it is imperative to carry out a soaking procedure.
Everything has already been said about the place and soil. But again, this should be a sufficiently lit, wind-protected and fertile area of your garden.
It is good to plant tubers after rain, just the soil will be sufficiently moistened.
You need to plant the bulb at three heights, that is, about 5-6 centimeters, with the sharp end down. The distance between tubers should be about 10-15 centimeters. It is this distance that will ensure the normal development of their root system.
If you plant the bulbs early enough, and there is a possibility of recurrent frost, then it is recommended to cover the planting with straw or some other covering material that would allow oxygen to pass through well (therefore, plastic wrap will not work).
Advice! After disembarking (if you do not cover), be sure to mark the place, otherwise you may simply lose it.
Growing ranunculus from seed
It is possible to grow ranunculus through planting seeds, but this is much more difficult.
You can get seed both from faded flowers in late summer and early autumn, and you can buy it in the garden center.
Seed sowing dates
It is necessary to plant buttercup seeds for seedlings earlier than usual. As a rule, this is done already in January or February. Some gardeners recommend postponing planting until March, especially if you do not have the opportunity to light up the crops.
Capacity and soil
You can use the most common pots or containers as a container.
The soil mixture for growing ranunculus seedlings should be loose with the addition of perlite or vermiculite. In other words, you can use ordinary peat soil for flower seedlings as a base.
A mixture of leafy earth, peat and sand in a ratio of 1: 1: 0.5 is also suitable.
At the end of the soil preparation procedure, do not forget to pass it through a sieve. And then fry in the oven or steam in the microwave as a disinfection method.
Sowing seeds
Step-by-step instructions for planting ranunculus seeds for seedlings:
- Fill containers with potting soil, level and compact a little.
- We moisten the soil from a spray bottle with water with the addition of Epin (4-6 drops per 1 liter of water).
- We spread the seeds over the soil surface.
- Sprinkle with a very light layer of earth.
- Gently spray the plantings with warm and settled water with vermicompost for seedlings.
- It remains to close the planting container with a lid, cover it with a bag (shoe cover) and put it in a cool enough place, where the temperature is no more than + 10-15 C degrees, for 5 days. And then transfer the container to a warmer place where the temperature reaches + 25 C degrees or even within + 20-30 C.
Video: planting ranunculus seeds
Care after planting seeds
Unfortunately, the germination of buttercups planting material, frankly, is low. If you fail to control the temperature regime or you overflow the soil, then the seedlings may not appear at all.
As soon as the very first sprouts appear, hurry up to place the containers with buttercups under artificial lighting. This will greatly increase the likelihood of successfully growing ranunculus seedlings through seed.
Now you should maintain a lower temperature, somewhere on the order of + 15-17 C degrees.
As for caring for young buttercup seedlings, the most important thing is regular, but moderate watering.
The timing and procedure for planting buttercup seedlings in open ground completely coincides with planting seedlings grown from tubers.
Video: growing ranunculus from seeds
Outdoor ranunculus care
Regular and balanced watering is mostly all you need to properly care for your ranunculus.
The flower does not like both excess moisture and excessive dryness of the soil, therefore it is necessary to regularly check the moisture content of the earth. Watering frequency is about 1 time in 2-3 days. In late summer and early autumn, watering should be gradually reduced to 4-5 days.
Do not forget about loosening and feeding. It is necessary to loosen the soil in order after each watering and heavy rain. This requirement is due to the fact that it is very difficult for the plant to grow on heavy and clayey soils.
It is periodically recommended to feed the ranunculus with fertilizers, which include potassium salt and potassium sulfate, and you can also use wood ash. Before flowering, you should feed it with potassium and limestone.
This plant responds very well to organic feeding, for example, humus or vermicompost.
Important! Remember not to use fresh manure, as it is a very powerful remedy that can simply burn the root system of a plant. In addition, it is a serious threat to the occurrence of fungal diseases.
As a universal remedy for feeding ranunculus, you can use drugs such as Kemira Lux and Universal. Fertilize the plant, preferably once every 2 weeks.
Ranunculus blooms literally from the beginning of summer to autumn, depending on the method of planting and growing, forming an unusually beautiful ball of very delicate buttercups.
To stimulate the growth of new flowers, it is necessary to cut off the faded inflorescences. And at the end of summer, it is recommended to completely cut the stems down to the base.
Video: caring for ranunculus in the garden
By the way! In the fall, before the onset of cold weather, you can dig up the ranunculus and transplant it into a pot or planter. This way you can grow it as a houseplant.
As a rule, in the Middle Lane (Moscow region), when all the leaves of the ranunculus wither and dry out, that is, in the fall, buttercup tubers are dug out of the ground in order to save for the winter.
Note! Be very careful when digging up the tubers. They are very delicate, so they can be accidentally touched and injured.
After you dig up the tubers, it will be necessary to clear them of the soil. Then cut off all the stems, rinse again in water and soak in Maxim Sad or Fitosporin solution for half an hour to disinfect and protect against fungal diseases. Now they will only have to be dried and put away in a paper bag for storage in a fairly cool room, where the temperature is kept at an average of +5 C degrees. This can be a basement or cellar, as well as a refrigerator.
Video: when to dig up and how to store ranunculus
Thus, there are several ways to grow ranunculus. Which one you choose is up to you. We can only advise planting buttercup tubers for seedlings first, since the likelihood of a successful cultivation will be the greatest. Further care for ranunculus in the open ground cannot be called difficult, even a novice florist can handle it. The main thing is to approach it with the greatest responsibility to plant and care for young seedlings.
Video: care and planting of ranunculus - features of growing at home
Ranunculus is one of the varieties of buttercup, although outwardly these double flowers look more like roses or peonies. However, they compare favorably with the latter in their unpretentiousness, resistance to diseases and pests, and easy to care for.
The Asian buttercup, or ranunculus, began to be grown in summer cottages not so long ago. These flowers have a very unusual and attractive appearance, for which they are loved by florists, bouquets and flower arrangements. However, do not forget that ranunculus juice is poisonous, so you need to handle it carefully. At the same time, planting and caring for a flower growing in the open field does not constitute any work for flower growers, you just need to know about some features.
More than 360 species of ranunculus are known in total.
Methods for growing ranunculus
There are two ways to grow Asiatic buttercup - from tubers and seeds. Let's consider the advantages and disadvantages of each of them.
Planting ranunculus tubers
The first batch of ranunculus tubers is put up for sale at the end of autumn. But you shouldn't rush to buy, it's better to wait until February-March. The fact is that the tubers need to be stored at a temperature of 15-18 ° C and a humidity of no more than 60%. At home, it is not always possible to provide such storage parameters, and otherwise the Asian buttercup becomes unviable and does not germinate at the right time.
In the first year after planting, ranunculus rarely bloom.
You can grow ranunculus through seedlings or immediately plant tubers in open ground. In the first case, they are planted in pots in late March - early April. The soil mixture should be very nutritious and contain sand, black soil and humus. Also, in pots, you need to organize good drainage. Before planting, ranunculus tubers are placed on a sponge, abundantly moistened with water. This procedure should be carried out for about 4-5 hours. If you are not completely sure of the ideal quality of the planting material, you can add a few crystals of potassium permanganate and a few drops of a growth stimulator to the water.
When planting directly into open ground (which should be carried out no earlier than mid-May), the same recreational activities should be carried out with the bulbs (hold them in a solution of potassium permanganate or a growth stimulant). Choose a warm, wind-protected area for planting, with ample sunlight during the day.
Each bulb must be buried 5-8 cm into the ground, pointing the sharp end down. There should be at least 10 cm between the bulbs, since their root system grows rather quickly and actively. If the air temperature drops significantly or frosts return, young plantings are covered with a layer of straw or other covering material (just not with a film!) ..
Planting ranunculus seeds
The seed method of growing ranunculus is more laborious, time-consuming and does not always lead to the desired result. Seeds can be harvested in the summer from dead plants or purchased in a specialized store.
The sprouting rate of ranunculus sprouts is different, the most viable specimens appear first from the ground
Ranunculus seeds are very small and easily crumble to the ground. Therefore, it is best to wrap the buds with gauze and shake them slightly.
For seedlings, seeds are sown in January in pots or containers to a depth of about 2 cm.Use ordinary peat soil for flowers.Before the emergence of shoots, containers must be covered with plastic or glass to create greenhouse conditions. The temperature should be kept at 15-17 ° C and the soil should be regularly moistened with a spray bottle.
The germination of planting material is usually low. The slightest changes in temperature or waterlogging of the substrate can negate all your efforts.
If you nevertheless waited for tender sprouts to peck, you should rather install a phytolamp over them to provide young shoots with light. Watering should be moderate, no more than 1 time per week.
A pick is made in April, planting ranunculus on previously prepared beds. Lay a layer of pebbles or expanded clay and pieces of birch charcoal at the bottom of the planting holes to ensure drainage and protect the plant from over-watering. Cover the planting with straw or non-woven material every time it gets cold or cold.
Ranunculus care
The main thing that the Asiatic buttercup needs is watering. At the same time, the root system of flowers is very sensitive to both excess moisture and dryness of the soil. Therefore, when watering, balance and check the moisture level of the soil. It should be slightly damp and gather in small lumps. On average, you need to water the ranunculus every 2-3 days. By the end of August, the watering intensity should be reduced, increasing the intervals between watering to 4-5 days.
In partial shade, the color of the flowers becomes pale and less bright
Remember to loosen the soil, especially after watering and rain. Ranunculus grows poorly on heavy, airtight soils. Fertilizers containing potassium salt, potassium sulfate and wood ash can be applied periodically. Before flowering, the plant needs potassium and limestone. Fertilizers Kemira Lux and Kemira Universal are considered universal fertilizers. On average, they are applied every two weeks.
Faded inflorescences should be removed to stimulate the growth of new ones. Towards the end of summer, it is advisable to cut the stem to the base.
In the middle lane, ranunculus tubers are most often dug up for the winter. This should be done after the leaves of the plant die off.
When digging up the tubers, be extremely careful, they are very fragile and can be easily damaged.
Clean the dug tubers from the ground and remove the stems. You can immediately separate the children for planting next year. All tubers must be washed in clean water and soaked in a solution of potassium permanganate or Fitosporin for 20-30 minutes. Then they should be dried, wrapped in paper and stored in a cool, well-ventilated room with a temperature of about 5 ° C (basement or refrigerator). Tubers can be stored in dry sawdust or dry peat.
A bouquet of buttercups is considered one of the most beautiful
Ranunculus is a fairly hardy and disease and pest resistant plant that needs minimal maintenance. From its lush flowers, elegant bouquets are made, which amaze with the richness of shades. Set aside a little space for ranunculus in your summer cottage, and you will not regret it.
