They are well protected in their assigned location in the garden. But without any care, the ranunculus will not remain floriferous and healthy for long. Every now and then some maintenance work is worthwhile. What is important?

The ranunculus needs a lot of water

Should you water ranunculus regularly?

The top priority when dealing with ranunculus is: never let it dry out! These perennials need an evenly moist substrate. It is important to prevent drought, especially for plants in pots or tubs. Such specimens should be watered regularly!

Outdoor plants must be watered regularly, especially in dry and sunny places. They need the moist substrate to keep flowering. However, the water should be able to drain well. It is essential to avoid waterlogging!

After the flowering period has come to an end, watering should be slowly reduced. The plant is thus prepared for autumn and winter. It no longer needs the water as its above-ground parts die off and it retreats into its tuber.

How to protect young plants in winter?

Not only young ranunculus, but also generally sensitive varieties should be protected in winter:

  • specimens sown in autumn overwinter frost-free in pots
  • Cover tubers in open ground with brushwood
  • in rough locations: take tubers out of the ground
  • Hibernation of the tubers: in a cool, dry, airy place (e.g. wooden box in the basement)

Do ranunculus need additional fertilizer?

It is not absolutely necessary to additionally fertilize ranunculus. However, a supply of fertilizer prolongs the flowering period and strengthens the plants. Conventional flower fertilizers are suitable as fertilizer (1.95 €) but also simple nettle manure. Fertilizing potted plants is recommended at intervals of 2 to 4 weeks.

Here are a few more tips on fertilizing:

  • use liquid fertilizer for potted plants
  • Stop fertilizer application in September
  • fertilize until the leaves die off
  • Provide outdoor plants with compost in spring

How to cut the perennials correctly?

The ranunculus does not need a pruning either. Only diseased, dried up and faded parts (flowers and leaves) should be removed regularly. If you immediately cut off faded flowers, you can prolong the flowering period because the plant no longer invests its energy in seed formation.

Are ranunculus attacked by diseases and pests?

Ranunculus are often so weakened by drought and their long and exhausting flowering period that they become more susceptible to pests. Aphids like to appear on them. Even snails can play badly with them.

Mildew disease can occur on the leaves during drought or increased wetness lasting several days. Parts affected by mildew should be cut off quickly. However, the plant does not usually recover, so it is better to discard it.

tips

The double-flowering varieties of ranunculus in particular need a lot of water!

Category:

Vegetable garden