Ranunculus - Trenton Mixture

Family: Ranunculaceae

Common Name(s): Persian Buttercup, Ranunculi

Native to: Eastern Mediterranean region, southwestern Asia, southeastern Europe and northeastern Africa

Flowering: Spring

Watering: Ensure that the soil is kept moist (but not wet) during windy and particularly dry weather conditions in spring

Planting Aspect: Full Sun

Preferred Climate:

 

Temperate, Grassland

Description

Ranunculus produce masses of brightly coloured and large double flowers on 35 to 40cm stems in many colours ranging from yellow, orange, pink, red, salmon and white. They look spectacular planted along flowing pathways and as groups in garden beds in spring. The dwarf or “Midikin” cultivar only grows to 20cm tall and is ideal for growing at the front of mixed borders or in pots and containers. They are easy to grow and thrive in well drained soil in cool moist conditions and sunny or partly shaded positions.

Cultivation

Choose a sunny and wind sheltered position and well draining soil. Prepare the growing site by digging over the soil and adding a good handful of blood and bone, rich compost or well decayed animal manure prior to planting out. The claw shaped corms should be soaked for 3 to 4 hours in tepid water prior to planting out 3 to 4cm deep and 12 to 15cm apart. Plant them (pointy end down) in autumn for spring flowering and water in thoroughly. If the soil is not moist at planting out, water the corms to initiate growth. Ensure that the soil is kept moist (but not wet) during windy and particularly dry weather conditions in spring. Allow the soil to dry out in summer while the corms are dormant. This will assist flowering the following season. Feed every spring as new growth is made. Protect them from Mildew in damp and humid conditions.