How to Save Ranunculus Corms

Lift corms after the foliage yellows, triage them (keep firm, discard mushy), dry-cure 7–10 days, then store cool, dark, and dry at 10–15 °C. Revive slightly shrivelled corms next season by soaking 3–4 hours before planting; avoid fertilising until shoots appear.

Triage: Keep firm corms; discard soft/moldy ones. Slight shrivel is normal.
Dry-cure: Shade, airflow, single layer for 7–10 days.
Pack: Paper/mesh bags or ventilated boxes with dry vermiculite/perlite/coco coir.
Store: 10–15 °C, low humidity, dark place; check monthly for mold or excessive shrivel.
AU note: In wet/cold soils, lifting saves more corms than leaving them in ground over winter.

“Saving” corms means two things: rescuing as many healthy, firm corms as possible right now, and setting them up to survive storage until next season. The steps below prioritise both.

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Step-by-Step: Triage, Cure, Pack, Store, Revive

Wait for natural dieback: After bloom, let foliage yellow and flop. This final photosynthesis refuels the corms.
Lift carefully: Loosen soil 15–20 cm out with a fork. Lift clumps gently to avoid snapping the “claws”.
Dry clean: Brush off soil. Only rinse if mud won’t brush away—then pat dry and ensure a thorough dry-cure.
Triage (keep vs discard):
- Keep: Firm, plump corms; slight shrivel is okay.
- Discard: Mushy, foul-smelling, or heavily moldy pieces.
- Optional: Light sulfur dust if you’ve had storage rot previously.
Dry-cure 7–10 days: Single layer in shade with airflow at ~15–20 °C. Turn once mid-week.
Separate offsets: After curing, snap off small daughter corms; label by variety/date.
Pack for storage: Paper/mesh bags or ventilated boxes; surround with dry vermiculite/perlite/coco coir to buffer humidity.
Store right: Cool (10–15 °C), dark, low humidity (linen cupboard base, indoor closet). Avoid damp sheds or garages with big temp swings.
Monthly checks: Remove any moldy corms. If several are shrivelling, briefly condition the box with a lightly moistened paper towel for 24–48 hours, then remove.
Revive before planting: Next season, soak corms 3–4 hours in room-temp water (change once). Presprouting in slightly damp vermiculite for 7–10 days at 10–15 °C evens emergence.

Replant & feed cue: Once new shoots reach 2–3 cm, begin half-strength feeding with CompleteGrow All Purpose Liquid 20-20-20 + micronutrients. Step up to full strength every 10–14 days through active growth and bloom.

Troubleshooting & quick saves

Found mold during storage: Discard badly affected pieces. For light surface fuzz, brush off dry, re-dust lightly with sulfur, and improve airflow.
Corms very shrivelled: Still firm = likely viable. Rehydrate 3–4 hours pre-plant; presprout for a stronger restart.
Forgot to lift; bed stayed wet: Lift immediately in a dry spell, cure thoroughly, and discard any soft pieces. Improve drainage or switch to raised beds/containers next season.
Sprouted in storage: Plant promptly into a cool, free-draining mix; handle shoots gently and keep evenly moist (not wet).

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Save-Your-Corms FAQ

Can I save corms that got waterlogged?

Sometimes. Lift immediately, dry-clean, and cure 7–10 days with strong airflow. Discard any soft pieces. Improve drainage next season to prevent repeat losses.

My corms are shrivelled—are they still viable?

If they’re firm when squeezed, they often are. Rehydrate 3–4 hours before planting and consider presprouting to boost early vigor.

What’s the best storage temperature?

10–15 °C, dark, and dry. Warmer = more shrivel; colder and damp = mold risk. Avoid fridges that are humid or near fruit (ethylene).

Should I wash corms before storage?

Prefer dry brushing. Only rinse if necessary, then cure thoroughly. Packing damp corms is the fastest route to rot.

How long can I keep ranunculus corms?

One off-season (about 6–8 months) is realistic. Viability drops beyond that. Check monthly and cull problems early.

When do I start feeding saved corms?

After replanting, wait until shoots are 2–3 cm tall, then start CompleteGrow All Purpose Liquid 20-20-20 at half strength, moving to full strength during active growth.