Everything you need to know about Ranunculus Seeds

Ranunculus Seeds Questions & Answers



Can ranunculus be grown from seed?
Ranunculus can be grown from seed, although it does take longer and require more delicate handling as compared to growing them from corms. A benefit to seed grown ranunculus is that seeds are more affordable, come in a broad range of cultivars and colors and growing from seed avoids diseases carried by older bulbs.

Can you collect seeds from ranunculus?
Certainly! Waiting for the ranunculus seed pods to form after the flowers fade and harvest the matured seed pods by carefully cutting them from the plant and placing them in a paper bag or envelope to dry further. After a couple of weeks, open the dried seed pods to extract the small, dark seeds inside. Store these seeds in a cool, dry place until you're ready to sow them.

How long do ranunculus take to grow from seed?
Ranunculus typically take about 12 to 16 weeks to grow from seed to flowering stage under optimal conditions. Please note that growing ranunculus from seed can be more challenging compared to growing them from tubers or bulbs, as they may take longer to germinate and establish. Additionally, the germination and growth rate can vary depending on factors such as temperature, soil quality, and moisture levels. 

How long do ranunculus seeds take to germinate?
Ranunculus seeds can take a while to germinate. Under optimum conditions, germination time is 7-21 days but could take up to 4-6 weeks. Remember that cool temperatures (around 10-15°C) are ideal for germination of ranunculus seeds. Higher temperatures can slow down the process.

Are ranunculus seeds or corms?
Ranunculus can grow from either seeds or corms. Although corms (also called bulbs or tubers) are more common, seed started ranunculus offers a rewarding challenge and more possibilities in terms of varieties.

Do ranunculus multiply?
Yes, ranunculus plants multiply through their underground structures called  corms, which are swollen underground stems that store nutrients and energy for the plant. As the ranunculus plant grows, it produces new corms, often referred to as daughter corms, around the original corm. These daughter corms can be separated from the parent corm and replanted to propagate new plants. 

Can you start ranunculus in pots?
Yes, you can start ranunculus in pots. Starting ranunculus in pots allows for greater control over growing conditions, especially if you live in a region with cold winters where ranunculus may need protection from frost. Choose a container that is at least 20-25 centimeters deep to accommodate root growth.

Where are seeds in a ranunculus flower?
In a ranunculus flower, the seeds are found within the seed pods, which develop after the flower has been pollinated and starts to fade. These pods are small, green structures that form at the base of the flower where the petals were attached.

Is ranunculus a perennial or annual?
In mild climates, ranunculus are grown as perennials. However, in regions with very cold winters, ranunculus may not survive the harsh conditions and may be treated as an annual and replanted each year.

Is ranunculus a peony?
No, ranunculus is not a peony. Ranunculus and Peonies are two different types of flowers belonging to separate genera. Ranunculus belongs to the genus Ranunculus, while peonies belong to the genus Paeonia. They do share some similarities in appearance, such as the fullness of their blooms and petal arrangement but they are still distinct flower types.

How long does ranunculus last?
Generally, when grown in the garden, ranunculus plants will produce flowers for several weeks during their blooming season. Individual flowers may last anywhere from one to two weeks on the plant

Do ranunculus need dark to germinate?
No, ranunculus seeds do not require darkness to germinate. In fact, they typically germinate best when exposed to light. It's recommended to sow ranunculus seeds on the soil surface or only lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil, as they need light to trigger germination.

Do ranunculus need to be soaked before planting?
No, soaking ranunculus seeds is not necessary. Ranunculus seeds readily absorb moisture and don't require pre-soaking. Simply sow them directly onto moist soil and keep the soil consistently moist until germination.

Are ranunculus poisonous to dogs?
Yes, ranunculus plants are toxic to dogs. It's important to keep ranunculus plants out of reach of pets and to seek veterinary assistance immediately if you suspect your dog has ingested any part of the plant. 

Can I leave ranunculus in the ground?
In mild climates, you can leave ranunculus corms in the ground over the winter and your ranunculus may behave as perennials, regrowing from the corms each year and producing blooms in the following spring. However, in regions where winters are cold and temperatures regularly drop below freezing, it's advisable to dig up the ranunculus corms and store them indoors during the winter months. 

How do ranunculus reproduce?
Ranunculus plants can reproduce through either corm multiplication or, less commonly, through seed production.

Where is the best place to plant ranunculus?
The ideal location to plant ranunculus is in a spot that receives full sun to partial shade. Ranunculus prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. 

What is another name for a ranunculus?
Another name for ranunculus is "buttercup" or "persian buttercup."