Ranunculus - Ice Cream Dip - 10 corms - large size

Planting information to grow Ranunculus from corm

Plant type: half hardy annual (-10C with frost cloth)
Height: flowers grow 40-50 centimeters tall
Position: full sun or partial shade
Planting time: Late winter and autumn
Bloom time: starts 90-220 days after planting
Spacing: 30 centimeters between each plant
Germination: Takes 7-14 days in temperatures of 15-20°C fluctuation in temperature helps
Pinching/pruning: NO!
Flowers: April, May, June July, depending on the weather, position and moment of planting
Pollinator-friendly: Yes
Recommended seed tray or pot: start in 28 cell trays (5-6 cm) and if needed pot up to 15-cell trays (7-9cm) or P9 flower pots
The package contains: 10 corms/bulbs

Growing Ranunculus 'Ice Cream Dip': Everything You Need to Know

When to Start?

Autumn Planting: Ideal for areas with mild winters. If you live in a mild winter region, pre-sprout and plant directly in the garden (Spain, France, Italy). For colder regions, (The Netherlands, Germany, Belguim North of France) start by planting in pots and trays, then move them under cover. Protect the plants with horticultural fleece if temperatures drop below -6°C. If you own a greenhouse or polytunnel, you can plant them directly into the soil.

Late Winter Planting: Best for cold, wet climates (NL, DE, etc). Begin in January or February using seed trays or P9 pots in a frost-free environment. Once germinated, move the plants to a light location, such as a greenhouse, under a cold frame, or in a transparent box. By mid-March, transfer outdoors for May or June blooming.

For first-time growers, it's highly recommended to plant half in autumn and the rest later, if weather permits. If you are new to gardening, go for the January/February planting.

Planting Tips:

Spacing: Keep corms 20-25 cm apart. In flower beds, fit four plants in a 75 cm width. Avoid overcrowding pots, using one plant per 5 to 7 liters of compost.

Preparation: Soak dry corms in water for six hours to help them expand. Caution: soaking for longer risks deterioration.

Soil: Use potting soil mixed with perlite for better drainage. Plant with the corm's "octopus legs" facing down.

Storage: After planting in pots or trays, store them in a 10°C to 15°C room. Once sprouts appear, typically in two weeks, shift them to a brighter location, preferably in a greenhouse or under a cold frame.

Transplanting: When they outgrow their initial pot or tray, move them to larger containers or the garden, ensuring good soil drainage. Add perlite to heavier compost.

Protection & Care:

Cold Weather: If temperatures drop below -8°C, protect your plants with fleece. Ranunculus foliage, dense with water, is vulnerable to frost.

Flower Damage: Flowers aren't frost-resistant. If frozen, trim them, and the plant will focus on new growth.

Harvesting Ranunculus Flowers and Bulbs:

Wait until the blooms feel soft and bouncy. They will further open in vases and can stay fresh for up to 10 days with regular water changes. Save the corms or bulbs for next season by pulling the wilted plants. If you garden on sandy soil, you can leave them in the ground, and they will return in autumn.

For more detailed information on growing ranunculus from bulbs or corms, check out our comprehensive growing guide or free e-mail course.