Overview

Ranunculus belongs to the buttercup family that blooms from the late spring into the early summer. The plants grow 12 to 18 inches tall with large blossoms of yellow, red, pink and white. Ranunculus plants are grown from a tuber that may look like miniature bunches of bananas. These irregular claw-like tubers are dry and hard when you purchase them. Ranunculus need to be planted in October and November.

Step 1

Soak your tubers overnight in water. This softens and plumps up the tuber as it absorbs the moisture. This will eliminate the need of regular watering while it is growing roots.

Step 2

Dig the soil up in an area of full sun with a shovel to the depth of 6 inches. Break up dirt clods and remove any large rocks.

Step 3

Add sand to your planting area if you have a clay-soil that does not drain well. Mix in the sand to a depth of 6 inches. Incorporate the sand throughout the soil. Do not just bury it.

Step 4

Dig a hole large enough for the ranunculus tuber to fit into at the depth of 1 to 2 inches with a small hand spade.

Step 5

Place the tubers in the hole with the claws pointing downward. This will make it easier for the ranunculus to grow roots and foliage in the proper direction.

Step 6

Cover the tuber with soil. Do not compact the soil down; leave the soil loose. If planting more than one tuber, then space the tubers 6 to 8 inches apart.