When to Plant Ranunculus
Transform Your Garden into a Personal Paradise!
When to Plant Ranunculus in Australia
Plant ranunculus in the cool months so roots establish before spring bloom. Aim for cool, free-draining soil and full sun. Soak corms 3โ4 hours before planting.
- Cool/Southern (VIC, TAS, SA, southern NSW): Plant AprilโJune.
- Warm/Temperate (coastal NSW, WA, SE QLD): Plant MarchโMay before soils warm.
- Frost-prone/highland: Plant after heavy frost risk or protect young shoots; shift schedule 2โ4 weeks later.
- Soil sweet spot: Free-draining, slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0โ6.8), consistent moistureโnever waterlogged.
Ranunculus are cool-season stars. Planting into cool soil builds strong roots, then rising spring light and temperature push prolific buds and those signature, layered blooms.
How to Plant Ranunculus Corms (Beds & Pots)
Step-by-step (reliable method)
- Soak corms 3โ4 hours: Room-temperature water; change once. Do not over-soak (rot risk).
- Optional presprout (faster starts): Nestle soaked corms claw-down into a shallow tray of slightly damp vermiculite/perlite; hold in a cool spot (~10โ15ย ยฐC) with airflow for 7โ10 days until tiny nubs appear. Plant promptly.
- Soil prep: Full sun (6+ hrs). Loosen 30โ40ย cm deep; blend in compost for structure and coarse material for drainage.
- Depth & orientation: Plant 5โ7ย cm deep, claws facing down.
- Spacing: Beds 10โ15ย cm apart; pots 8โ10ย cm apart.
- Watering: Water in lightly to settle soil; keep just moist until sprouting (2โ3 weeks), then maintain even moisture.
- Mulch: A thin, airy layer keeps moisture stable; keep mulch off crowns.
Containers (great in small spaces)
- Pot size: 25โ30ย cm deep minimum, with large drainage holes.
- Mix: Premium, free-draining potting mix (coarse structure). Avoid waterlogged media.
- Watering rhythm: More frequent than beds; allow the top 2โ3ย cm to dry slightly, then water thoroughly.
First feed cue: When shoots reach 2โ3ย cm, begin half-strength feeding with CompleteGrow All Purpose Liquid 20-20-20 + micronutrients, then step to full strength every 10โ14 days through active growth.
Pro tips: Label varieties at planting; in warm spells >28ย ยฐC, provide light afternoon shade; avoid fertilising at plantingโwait for visible growth.
Planting FAQ (Australia)
When should I plant in Melbourne?
AprilโJune is ideal. Cool soils encourage strong rooting, setting up a big spring display.
Can I plant in Sydney or Brisbane?
Yesโplant earlier (MarchโMay). Use airy, free-draining mixes and monitor moisture closely as weather warms.
Is spring planting too late?
Usually. As soils warm, the bloom window shortens. If you try, presprout first and provide afternoon shade to extend flowering.
How long from planting to bloom?
About 90โ110 days depending on climate, presprouting, and nutrition. Cooler sites lean longer; presprouted corms bloom sooner.
Do ranunculus handle frost?
Light frosts are usually fine once established. Protect new shoots with fleece during sharp cold snaps or in frost pockets.
How deep and how far apart?
Plant 5โ7ย cm deep. Space 10โ15ย cm in beds, 8โ10ย cm in pots for fuller displays.
Should I fertilise at planting?
No. Start feeding once shoots are 2โ3ย cm tall, beginning at half strength to avoid burn and rot risks.
Presprout or plant straight in?
Both work. Presprouting shaves 1โ2 weeks off and evens emergenceโhandy in warmer zones or for tight bloom windows.
Explore More Ranunculus Guides
- Best Fertiliser for Ranunculus in Australia โ balanced liquid plan for bigger blooms.
- Ranunculus Fertiliser Schedule (Australia) โ exact timing before, during & after bloom.
- How to Store Ranunculus Corms (Australia) โ lift, cure, pack and store at 10โ15 ยฐC.
- Can You Leave Ranunculus in the Ground in Australia? โ drainage, frost and mulch rules.
- Fertilising Ranunculus in Pots vs Beds (Australia) โ rates, frequency, salt-flush tips.
- How to Plant Ranunculus Corms (Australia) โ claws down, 5โ7 cm depth, spacing.
- How to Save Ranunculus Corms โ triage, dry-cure, revive for next season.
- Why Are My Ranunculus Leaves Yellow? โ diagnose watering, pH, nutrition fast.
- Are Ranunculus Hard to Grow? โ easy-mode plan for beginners.
Recommended Products
- Quick View
- Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
- Quick View
- Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
