How to grow Ranunculus (Persian Buttercup)

Ranunculus asiaticus

🌸 Flower 🔁 Perennial

Layer upon layer of silky petals in bright colours in early summer — one of the most beautiful cut flowers. Soak the claw-like corms before planting.

At a glance: Sow mid March to mid April.

When to sow, plant and harvest

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Sow outdoors

Flowers

Timed for a typical UK garden (last frost mid-April). The app uses your own town's frost dates.

Mid March – mid April · 4 weeks before the last spring frost
Plant Bulbs
Plant 5 cm, claws pointing down (soak 3–4 hours first) deep and 15 cm apart, pointy end up, in well-drained soil or pots. Water in.
14–28 days after “Plant Bulbs” · Late March – mid April
Look for Shoots
Green shoots should be showing. Keep pots moist but not wet and watch for slugs on young leaves.

June
In Flower
Your bulbs should be in flower — a good moment for a journal photo.
July
Deadhead and Feed
Snap off faded flower heads (not the leaves) and give a high-potash feed to build up the bulb for next year.
August
Let the Leaves Die Back
Leave the foliage for at least six weeks after flowering, until it yellows — don't knot or cut it. Then tidy it away.
August
Lift and Store the Corms
Once the leaves yellow, lift the corms, dry them for a few weeks and store in paper bags somewhere cool and frost-free until spring.