Are Ranunculus Perennials? Reliable Answers by Gardening Zone
I LOVE RANUNCULUS!
Ahhhh, ranunculus! I will grow tulips every year, but every time I harvest another ranunculus stem they climb higher on my favorites list. Those fluffy, petal filled blooms that bring tremendous excitement to any garden. So listen, as a stay at home mom I LIVE for low maintenance gardening more than anything, and I have to say the first question I had when I learned about growing these flowers was:
Are ranunculus perennials?
Can I enjoy these insanely gorgeous flowers year after year, or am I destined to replant every spring?
I want to share, this blog isn’t to deter you if you see that you fall into a zone where ranunculus won’t perennialize. Micro climates are real, and your individual micro climate could be more harsh or more gentle. Tracking your individual climate will yield the official answer to your perennial ranunculus question, but I’m going to give you the overall interpretation.
Let's peek into the fascinating world of growing ranunculus and uncover the official truth about their perennial potential.
The Truth About Ranunculus Perennials
The answer to the age-old question is: it depends!
While ranunculus are technically perennials in their native Mediterranean climate, their ability to survive winter varies depending on your gardening zone. Not sure about yours? Go find out your gardening zone here and then come back to read.
Here's the breakdown:
Zones 8-10: Rejoice, warm-weather gardeners! In these sun-kissed zones, ranunculus can happily thrive as perennials. Treat them like old friends and welcome them back year after year.
Zones 6-7: (I grow in 6b!) This is where growing gets a bit trickier. With proper care and protection, ranunculus may survive the winter in these zones. Think of them as delicate guests who need a little extra TLC. This means that your ranunculus babies might need a low caterpillar tunnel to survive some of the lower lows.
Zones 4-5: Unfortunately, ranunculus are best treated as annuals in these colder climates. Bid them adieu each fall and welcome a new batch in the spring. Never fear, you can still grow. Promise.
Zones 1-3: Folks, you’re likely better off also treating ranunculus as annuals. That’s not to say a heated greenhouse couldn’t do it, but y’all get some COLD temperatures up there and these little corms will rot if they get hit with regular temperatures below 25°F (-4°C).
So, are you ready to learn a few secrets to keeping your ranunculus blooming year after year? Buckle up, ranunculus lovers, because here are some flower farmer tips:
Zone 8-10:
Plant your ranunculus in well-drained soil and full sun. No wet feet!
Amend the soil with compost for extra nutrients
Water deeply and regularly during the growing season
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage further flowering
Harvest low, close to the base of the plant for extra long stems
After the first frost, allow the foliage to die back naturally.
Apply a thick layer of mulch to protect the bulbs from harsh winter temperatures (Leaf mulch works GREAT!)
Zone 6-7:
Follow all the tips above
In late fall, after the first frost, dig up the ranunculus bulbs carefully
Trim brown plant material and strings off of the corms
Store the bulbs in a cool, dry place, like a garage or basement
If fall planting, consider adding a low tunnel for protection against temperatures below 25°F (-4°C)
If spring planting, put in ground after danger of hard frost
Zone 1-5:
Enjoy your ranunculus as annuals and treat them like extended stay Airbnb guests
Plant your ranunculus in containers so you can easily move them indoors before the first frost
Replant the corms in the spring outdoors
Let me share some additional insights from my own experience as a flower farmer:
Not all ranunculus varieties are created equal. Some varieties are more cold-hardy than others. I’m happy to give a recommendation for your growing zone!
Don't be afraid to experiment! Even in colder zones, you might be surprised at what your ranunculus can do with a little extra protection
Most importantly, have fun! Growing flowers should be an enjoyable experience. Embrace the process, learn from all the experiences good or bad, and enjoy absolute enchantment of these insanely gorgeous flowers
Remember, ranunculus, whether annual or perennial, are true treasures in any garden. With a little love and attention, you can enjoy their romantic colors and fluffy petals for years to come. It’s completely possible to grow a Pinterest worthy bouquet without paying farmer’s market prices.
