Fertilising Ranunculus in Pots vs Beds (Australia)

Pots need smaller, more frequent feeds; beds need deeper, less frequent feeds. Begin at half strength when shoots reach 2–3 cm, then feed through active growth and bloom. Keep soil evenly moist and never waterlog.

Pots: Feed every 7–10 days at half–full strength; flush salts every 4–6 weeks.
Beds: Feed every 10–14 days at full strength; focus on the root zone, not foliage.
Best formula: Balanced liquid NPK (e.g., 20-20-20) with micronutrients.
Soil pH target: 6.0–6.8 for reliable micronutrient uptake and green growth.

Use This: CompleteGrow All Purpose Liquid (NPK 20-20-20 + Micronutrients)

Balanced, bloom-safe feeding: Even N-P-K supports roots, stems and bud formation without pushing leaf-only growth.
Micronutrients included: Helps prevent pale new leaves (iron) and weak stems (boron/manganese).
Fast uptake in cool soils: Ideal for ranunculus’ cool-season growth in Australia.
One-bottle simplicity: Same product from sprout to post-bloom recharge.

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Exact Rates, Schedules & Pro Tips

Dilution & application

Half strength: 5 mL CompleteGrow per 1 L water (establishment, heat, or stress periods).
Full strength: 10 mL per 1 L water (active growth & bloom).
Beds: 1–2 L of solution per m², applied to moist soil, targeting the root zone.
Pots (~30 cm): 1–1.5 L until slight runoff; avoid wetting petals during bloom.

Timing by growth stage

Sprout stage (2–3 weeks after planting): Begin with half strength when shoots reach 2–3 cm.
Active growth (late winter): Pots every 7–10 days; beds every 10–14 days at full strength.
Bud & bloom (spring): Maintain the same rhythm; water early, feed soil not flowers.
Post-bloom (3–4 weeks): Half strength every 2–3 weeks, then stop as foliage yellows.

Container-specific tips

Leaching is faster: Nutrients wash out with frequent watering—keep the 7–10 day rhythm.
Salt control: Every 4–6 weeks, flush pots with plain water until it drains freely; resume on next watering.
Mix matters: Use a free-draining premium mix with coarse structure; avoid waterlogged media.
Heat management: During hot spells (>28 °C), drop to half strength and water in the morning.

Garden bed tips

Even moisture, never boggy: Mulch lightly (off crowns) to stabilise moisture at bud set.
Open heavy clay: Add coarse compost and sharp sand; consider raised beds for winter drainage.
pH 6.0–6.8: Keeps iron and other micros available; chlorosis often improves once pH is corrected.

Diagnosis quick-guide

Pale new leaves: Possible iron issue—check pH; add an extra half-strength feed next week.
Leafy, few buds: Likely excess N or low light—skip one feed, then resume at ½–¾ strength; ensure 6+ hours sun.
Brown leaf edges in pots: Salt build-up—flush with plain water, feed next time at half strength.