Thanks for the report; I'm also 6b. I'm lucky to be near a number of nurseries that grow ranunculus 4" pots for only $3.50, so I pot up to 8" clay pot, and enjoy large blooms for 6 weeks. I bought a 4" pot 3-25-22 and my final bloom is open 5-10-22. Sometimes we just have to let the greenhouses produce the tender (and showy) stuff. Zone 9, especially if the spring is long and drawn out, is a good zone for outdoor growing of ranunculus and their beautiful companions, anemones, e.g. deCaen hybrids.
I'm glad you experimented. I'm in 5b. We got to -20 once this year. I haven't bothered trying to grow spring planted bulbs because I don't want to dig them up every year.
I think I might have an idea.. The reason you're getting weaker growth in the second year is because just like tulips and other perennial bulbs the corms will be putting extra energy into growing themselves and multiplying; dividing into new, smaller corms. By digging the corm up every year you essentially allow it to fully "rest", build a strong stockpile of cells and put all its energy into florescence instead (as opposed to leaving it with roots in to constantly grow). I reckon that if the corms settled for a few years they would eventually develop nicely and then you could separate the new forming corms and repeat the cycle. Now, my experience is admittedly limited but bulbs seem to have a strong mind of their own! We had an absolutely ancient old tulip in the yard that would always flower until one day I cut it. Just didn't flower for years again until the bulb was dug up and split.
Thank you for the information. I live in Zone 8 so if I planted them I would have a very short season. There are some at the Botanical Gardens that are just beautiful. Looks like they will be gone soon.
You’re welcome! I feel the same - love to learn from fails as well as successes. If we share our fails, we can hopefully save others the time and effort!
I'm in 6b and got similar results. I must say, I did not water my ranunculus much through winter and therefore didn't fertilize either and I wonder if that would've made a difference??
I am attempting this here in zone 6a on my little cutflower farm. I'm curious if the smaller plant/blooms doesnt have to do with them being exposed to cold weather but more so a lack of nutrients. Because they are extremely heavy feeders. Maybe they had all of the nutrients and energy to an energy they needed in the corm for the 1st year but but your soil was lacking what they needed for the next year...? Did you do any amending or fertilizing?
Thanks for the report; I'm also 6b. I'm lucky to be near a number of nurseries that grow ranunculus 4" pots for only $3.50, so I pot up to 8" clay pot, and enjoy large blooms for 6 weeks. I bought a 4" pot 3-25-22 and my final bloom is open 5-10-22. Sometimes we just have to let the greenhouses produce the tender (and showy) stuff. Zone 9, especially if the spring is long and drawn out, is a good zone for outdoor growing of ranunculus and their beautiful companions, anemones, e.g. deCaen hybrids.
Thank you for this! I will have to look into my local nurseries.
I'm glad you experimented. I'm in 5b. We got to -20 once this year. I haven't bothered trying to grow spring planted bulbs because I don't want to dig them up every year.
I’m with you! So much work.
That's very true, if you don't try you don't know.
I think I might have an idea..
The reason you're getting weaker growth in the second year is because just like tulips and other perennial bulbs the corms will be putting extra energy into growing themselves and multiplying; dividing into new, smaller corms.
By digging the corm up every year you essentially allow it to fully "rest", build a strong stockpile of cells and put all its energy into florescence instead (as opposed to leaving it with roots in to constantly grow).
I reckon that if the corms settled for a few years they would eventually develop nicely and then you could separate the new forming corms and repeat the cycle.
Now, my experience is admittedly limited but bulbs seem to have a strong mind of their own! We had an absolutely ancient old tulip in the yard that would always flower until one day I cut it. Just didn't flower for years again until the bulb was dug up and split.
Thank you for the information. I live in Zone 8 so if I planted them I would have a very short season. There are some at the Botanical Gardens that are just beautiful. Looks like they will be gone soon.
Thank you for posting a garden fail. Often videos only show the perfect results. I learn more from the blunders!
You’re welcome! I feel the same - love to learn from fails as well as successes. If we share our fails, we can hopefully save others the time and effort!
I'm in 6b and got similar results. I must say, I did not water my ranunculus much through winter and therefore didn't fertilize either and I wonder if that would've made a difference??
Interesting thought!
I am attempting this here in zone 6a on my little cutflower farm. I'm curious if the smaller plant/blooms doesnt have to do with them being exposed to cold weather but more so a lack of nutrients. Because they are extremely heavy feeders. Maybe they had all of the nutrients and energy to an energy they needed in the corm for the 1st year but but your soil was lacking what they needed for the next year...? Did you do any amending or fertilizing?
I did add manure and lead mulch but that was about it 🤷🏼♀️
Girl , it's global warming, I've notice , some things I use to dig up, I don't have to anymore, the gournd is staying warmimer❤