The tuber of the ranunculus sits in the soil. It has the task of storing nutrients and using all its strength to bring out the shoots together with the leaves and flowers. But does it sprout again every year? What should you pay attention to if you want to cultivate the ranunculus for several years?
Ranunculus only thrives outdoors in very mild regions for several years
Ranunculus can be perennial
In the trade, ranunculus is often labeled as 'perennial'. But they are only limited. Basically, they are designed to live for several years. However, if they are outdoors, for example in the garden bed or even in a pot on the balcony, and there is severe frost, the plant is likely to freeze to death.
Most varieties, although they prefer cooler temperatures, are only hardy to -3 °C. A few exceptional specimens still tolerate frost down to -10 °C. In order to cultivate ranunculus for several years, you should protect this plant over the winter.
A suitable winter protection - what does it look like?
Ranunculus that are frost tolerant and in a mild location can be sheltered over the winter. If you trimmed the plant down in the fall, place a layer of brushwood or compost over the root area towards the end of October. This layer protects the outlasting organ of the ranunculus.
Some specimens prefer to hibernate
Varieties that are poorly frost-tolerant should be overwintered. This also applies if your Ranunculus is in a rough location, has just been planted or a harsh winter is imminent. This is how the plant is overwintered:
- dig up the tuber in autumn
- Clean the tuber from earth residues
- Place the tuber in a cool, dry and dark place
- Well-suited hibernation quarters: basement, attic, garage
Water and fertilize the plant correctly
The care of ranunculus plays a significant role in their perennial. If there is a lack of nutrients and water, the plant will soon lose out… It needs plenty of nutrients to nourish its leaves and flowers. Therefore, fertilize your ranunculus every 2 weeks in spring and during the flowering period.
Watering is crucial, especially during flowering. The soil should always be kept moist. But be careful not to get waterlogged! This quickly leads to rotting of the tuber. The plant would die.
After flowering, the ranunculus is fertilized more sparingly until the leaves turn yellow. The watering is reduced so that the tuber interprets this as a signal not to sprout any more, but to slowly go to rest.
Use brood tubers
Even if a ranunculus is no longer the healthiest and seems very spent, you can preserve the characteristics of this plant by separating its bulbs and planting them in a separate place. This allows the plant to be multiplied quickly and easily.
tips
Protection against diseases (particularly powdery mildew) and pests is also important so that the ranunculus can remain healthy and alert for many years.