
| Common Name | Ranunculus, Persian Buttercup |
| Genus | Ranunculus |
| Species | Ranunculus asiaticus |
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Life Cycle | Tender Perennial USDA zones 7-10, can be grown as an annual or tubers can be lifted, stored and re-planted. Often grown as a cool-season annual for cut flower production. |
| Format | Plugs (NOT tubers) |
| Plug Care | Unlike traditional ranunculus tubers, Aazur ranunculus plugs arrive as fully rooted, actively growing plugs. Transplant as soon as possible after arrival to prevent plants from becoming stressed or rootbound. Plant so the top of the plug medium is level with the soil surface., then water thoroughly after transplanting to settle the soil around the roots. Maintain consistent soil moisture while avoiding saturated conditions while growing on. Because the plants are already actively growing, there is no soaking, pre-sprouting, or concern about tuber treatment or orientation. Keep the plugs around 50-60 degrees, no warmer, for best results. |
| Netting / Staking |
Ranunculus typically don't require netting, but one to two layers of support netting are could be a good idea, especially if growing in a hoop house or under short day conditions. Under these conditions the stems will be quite long and the blooms can become top-heavy. Although stems are generally strong, support keeps the stems straight and reduces wind damage if grown in the field. Field grown ranunculus are often shorter and stockier compared to those grown under protection. |
| Temperature Range |
These plugs must be protected from frost in colder regions using row covers or tunnels - ideally they are grown in minimally heated tunnels in the north, or in areas with naturally cool, mild winters. Ranunculus will bloom faster when grown from tubers, these seed-grown plugs take a few weeks longer to reach blooming size and are not suitable for areas that have short shoulder seasons between extreme winters and summers. Ranunculus is a cool-season crop that performs best when daytime temperatures remain between 55–70°F (13–21°C) and nights remain between 35–50°F (2–10°C). Established plants tolerate light frosts into the mid 20s°F (-4 to -2°C), particularly under row cover or high tunnels. Extended temperatures above 75°F (24°C) reduce stem length, flower size, and overall productivity, while temperatures consistently above 85°F (29°C) rapidly end production. |
| Spacing |
6 to 9 inch spacing is ideal. High tunnel production generally benefits from 6-inch spacing, while outdoor field production may benefit from slightly wider spacing to improve airflow. |
| Soil Preference |
Well-drained, fertile soil with abundant organic matter. Ranunculus performs best in soils with excellent drainage and a pH between 6.3 and 6.8. Avoid poorly drained sites, as excessive moisture around the crown increases the risk of root diseases. |
| Day Length/Light Requirements |
Aazur ranunculus are one of the earliest ranunculus to flower and will bloom under short days. Full sun. In warm climates, afternoon shade or shade cloth can improve stem length and flower quality late in the season. |
| Pinching | Not required for ranunculus due to their natural growth habit. |
| When to Plant |
Plant plugs according to your regional climate to maximize cool-season growth. In USDA Zones 7 to 10, transplant in autumn for late winter and spring harvests. In colder climates, the only way to successfully grow these plugs is under protection in high tunnels for earlier production. Northern growing zones with short shoulder seasons won't have enough of a cool period to grow these plugs outdoors, as field crops, from a spring planting. Places with a short spring season will do better with traditional tuber varieties. |
| Harvesting |
There are two different mindsets when it comes to harvesting ranunculus. Some growers harvest when buds are fully colored and feel soft like a marshmallow but before the flowers are completely open. Other growers wait until the blooms have fully opened and still report a 2 week vase life. Harvesting too tight can reduce opening, while harvesting fully open flowers has the potential to shorten vase life. Cut deeply into the plant to encourage additional flowering stems. Well-grown Aazur plants can produce approximately 3 to 5 marketable stems per plant during the first season, although this varies with climate and growing conditions. |
| Post Harvest Care |
Immediately place stems into clean, cool water after harvest. Hydrate for several hours before using. Floral preservative may improve flower opening and vase life but is not necessary. Store in a cooler with high relative humidity. Ranunculus is moderately sensitive to ethylene, so avoid storing with ripening fruit or other ethylene-producing crops. Properly harvested flowers typically provide a vase life of 1-2 weeks. |
| Diseases / Insects |
Aphids can be a problem. Ensure proper spacing and adequate air flow to avoid powdery mildew or botrytis blight. Do not overwater or plant in saturated soils or root rot will be an issue. Monitor regularly for aphids, western flower thrips and spider mites, especially in greenhouse conditions. Botrytis, powdery mildew, Pythium, and Rhizoctonia can develop under cool, humid conditions with poor airflow. Good sanitation, crop rotation, proper spacing, and irrigation early in the day help minimize disease pressure. Avoid prolonged saturation around the crown and roots. |
| Bailey's Notes |
These ranunculus from plugs will be actively growing on arrival, so you won't have to bother "waking them up" out of dormancy, like you would with dormant tubers. By the time your plants arrive from Plug Connection, the most delicate stage of production (germination and early establishment) has already been completed under ideal growing conditions. Aazur plants will naturally develop new tubers during the season, although these have not yet been widely evaluated for commercial replanting. You may dig the tubers at the end of the season for planting the following autumn, but for the most consistent stem quality and uniformity, we recommend treating Aazur as an annual cut flower crop and starting each season with fresh plugs. |
| Resources |