How to Store Ranunculus Corms (Australia)

Lift corms once foliage yellows, dry-cure in shade for 7–10 days, then store cool, dark and dry at 10–15 °C in a breathable container with a dry packing medium.

When to lift: After flowering, once leaves naturally yellow and flop (do not cut green foliage early).
Dry-cure: Brush soil off, air-dry 7–10 days out of sun with good airflow.
Pack: Paper bags or cardboard boxes with dry vermiculite/perlite/coco coir; label variety/date.
Store: 10–15 °C, low humidity, dark place; check monthly for mold or shrivelling.
AU note: In frost-free, very well-drained beds, you may leave corms in situ; in wet winters or heavy soils, lifting is safer.

Replanting next season: Rehydrate corms by soaking 3–4 hours before planting, then resume feeding with CompleteGrow All Purpose Liquid (20-20-20 + micros) at half strength once shoots are 2–3 cm tall.

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Step-by-Step: Lift, Dry, Divide, Pack, Store

Wait for natural dieback: Let the leaves yellow and collapse after bloom. This last photosynthesis cycle tops up the corms for next year.
Lift carefully: Use a fork to loosen soil 15–20 cm away. Lift clumps gently to avoid snapping the clawed corms.
Clean (dry method): Brush off loose soil. Avoid washing unless soil is sticky—if you rinse, dry thoroughly before storage.
Trim & inspect: Cut stems to 2–3 cm. Remove soft, damaged, or moldy pieces. Keep firm, plump corms only.
Optional protectant: Lightly dust with garden sulfur if you’ve had storage rot in the past.
Dry-cure: Spread in a single layer on mesh/newspaper in shade with airflow for 7–10 days (15–20 °C is ideal).
Separate offsets: Many ranunculus form small daughter corms. Snap these off gently once cured; store with the parent or label separately.
Pack: Use paper bags, mesh bags, or ventilated cardboard boxes. Surround corms with dry vermiculite, perlite, coco coir, or wood shavings to buffer humidity.
Store: Place in a dark, dry spot at ~10–15 °C (linen cupboard base, spare room closet). Avoid garages that swing hot–cold or damp sheds.
Check monthly: Discard any soft/moldy corms. If shrivelling, the space is too dry—add a lightly moistened (not wet) paper towel to the box for 24–48 hours, then remove.

Australia-specific guidance

Frosty/cold, wet winters (TAS, highlands, parts of VIC/NSW): Lift and store—cold + wet invites rot.
Mild, drier winters (coastal WA/SA/NSW, SE QLD): You may leave in ground if drainage is excellent and beds stay on the dry side. Mulch lightly, avoid summer irrigation over dormant corms.
Heavy clay: Always lift or grow in raised beds/containers; improve drainage before next season.

Common mistakes to avoid

Storing before foliage yellows (corms under-fuelled for next year).
Packing while still damp (mold risk skyrockets).
Sealed plastic containers with no airflow (condensation = rot).
Storing near fruit in fridges (ethylene exposure + excess humidity).
Leaving in soggy beds over winter (rot) or watering dormant corms in summer.

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Storage & Dormancy FAQ

Can I leave ranunculus in the ground?

Yes, in mild, well-drained gardens with dryish winters. In heavy clay, wet winters, or frost pockets, lift and store to avoid rot or cold damage.

How long can I store corms?

Typically one off-season (6–8 months). Beyond that, viability declines. Check monthly and keep them cool, dark, and dry.

Should I wash corms before storage?

Prefer dry cleaning (brushing). Only rinse if soil won’t brush off, then dry completely during the 7–10 day cure before packing.

My corms shrivelled—are they dead?

Not always. Rehydrate by soaking 3–4 hours before planting. If they remain spongy/soft after soaking, discard.

Do ranunculus multiply?

Yes—healthy plants form small offsets. Separate after curing and store like the parents. Expect smaller, later blooms from young offsets next season.

Can I store in the fridge?

Only if it’s not a damp produce drawer and away from fruit. Fridges are often too humid; paper bags in a cool cupboard are safer.

When do I start feeding again?

After replanting and once shoots reach 2–3 cm, feed with CompleteGrow All Purpose Liquid 20-20-20 at half strength. Increase to full strength during active growth.