What are Ranunculus and Anemones?
Ranunculus and anemones are beautiful flowers that don’t require much effort to thrive. They come in various colors and make a lovely addition to the garden. Here’s a simple guide on how to plant and care for them.
Ranunculus
Ranunculus has large flowers that can resemble small rosettes. They come in colors like pink, yellow and white and usually grow from bulbs, blooming in late spring and early summer.
Anemones
Anemones belong to the same plant family and come in various varieties, blooming from spring to fall, depending on the type.
Planting
Ranunculus
For best results, pre-grow the bulbs in a pot sometime in March-April. Soak the bulbs in lukewarm water overnight to help them swell up. Plant the bulbs with the claws facing downward into the soil, with the smooth side facing upward.
Plant ranunculus bulbs in pots with drainage holes to prevent water from pooling. Water the soil thoroughly and place them in a well-lit indoor area. Once shoots begin to appear, you can move the pot outdoors, but bring it inside if there’s a risk of frost. Like all delicate seedlings, ranunculus plants need protection from strong spring sunlight and should be properly hardened off.
Anemones
Soak the bulbs in room-temperature water for approximately 7-10 hours until they swell up and become soft. Plant them with a 10 cm spacing between bulbs and at a depth of about 10 cm in a pot filled with nutrient-rich potting soil. Water the soil thoroughly to ensure it remains evenly moist.
Once the first green shoots emerge, water gently again. It’s essential not to keep the soil too wet, as this can cause the bulbs to rot.
Transplanting should be done in the later part of spring, but remember to protect the plants with a fleece cover if nights are chilly!
Soil
Both varieties prefer well-draining soil. It’s a good idea to incorporate some compost into the soil before planting.
When to Plant?
Ranunculus: Plant bulbs in late autumn or early winter if you live in a milder climate.
Anemones: Planting times vary, but they are typically planted in autumn or spring.
Where to Plant?
Ranunculus: Sunny to partially shaded location.
Anemones: Sunny to partially shaded, depending on the variety.
Care
Water
Provide regular watering, but ensure the soil doesn’t become too wet.
Fertilization
Fertilize once a month with standard flower fertilizer.
Remove spent flowers
Remove withered blooms to make room for new ones.
Winter
Ranunculus: In cold climates, dig up the bulbs and store them indoors.
Anemones: Most varieties can survive outdoors during winter.
Possible Issues
Watch out for mold and snails. Avoid overwatering, and remove snails if you spot them.