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All About: Ranunculus


Bucket full of bright ranunculus flowers freshly picked. Apricot, peach, salmon, orange, green stems
Photo by Lauren Lindsay Ward

When it comes to infusing your garden or home with a touch of timeless elegance, few flowers can match the sheer beauty that ranunculus bring. Often likened to a rose for layers of delicate petals, this bloom is a flower enthusiast's delight. Read all about their origin, how to grow and cultivate them, how to care for them as a cut flower and additional fun facts from the perspective of a florist (aka me :). Scroll to the bottom to find some links that lead to locally grown flowers in the Springfield area, resources for additional eduction and flower related products I use and love.


Name and Origin


Ranunculus flowers, also referred to as buttercups, are native to Asia and prized for their intricate, rose-like blooms. The name "ranunculus" comes from Latin and is derived from two words: "rana," meaning frog, and "unculus," meaning little. Therefore, "ranunculus" roughly translates to "little frog" or "little frog-like." This name likely originated due to the plant's preference for moist habitats, similar to those inhabited by frogs. Additionally, some believe that the name may refer to the shiny appearance of the plant's leaves, which could resemble the skin of a frog. Ranunculus is a genus of flowering plants in the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae), and it includes many species of both wildflowers and cultivated ornamentals known for their brightly colored, multi-petaled blooms. 


Growing and Cultivating


These guys grow great in Missouri! Here's how to grow them in your midwest garden:

  • Make sure you have good soil that drains well and has lots of nutrients. Plant ranunculus bulbs in the fall or early winter, about 2 inches deep and 4 inches apart. Moist, cool conditions are ideal.

  • Ranunculus grows from what’s known as a corm—a short, swollen underground stem that stores food. Place the corms flat side down in the soil. Water them just enough, and keep an eye out for slugs and snails, which love to munch on ranunculus.

  • Once foliage emerges, they require about an inch of water each week. Water your ranunculus regularly and make sure they get enough sunlight. It takes about 90-120 days for them to bloom, so be patient! Here in Missouri that's usually about March-May when planted at appropriate times.

  • (They're currently in season! Purchase locally grown ranunculus from flower farmers in Springfield through the Missouri Flower Exchange )

  • Harvest when they are at the marshmallow stage! Read more about that below.

  • They can keep growing for 2-3 months if properly cared for. Prune spent flowers to encourage new blooms and cut back foliage after it yellows and dies, usually in late spring or early summer.

  • Ranunculus plants are perennials! Technically they are "tender perennials" in Missouri, which means they won't weather a harsh winter and may require replanting. However, when properly pruned and maintained, the plant stores more energy in its corms for better flowering the next season.

  • Apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring or fall, but avoid fertilizing during the growing season, as this may cause the plant to grow lanky and topple over.


When are they ready to be harvested?

For the longest vase life, it's best to harvest ranunculus blooms when they are in the "marshmallow" stage! This stage occurs when the buds feel like marshmallows when gently squeezed, meaning they are firm but still have a bit of give. The petals are visibly beginning to unfurl, but the flower has not fully opened yet.


Harvesting ranunculus at this stage ensures that the flowers will continue to open fully after cutting, providing you with the longest possible vase life. Additionally, it's recommended to cut ranunculus stems early in the morning or late in the evening (very important tip) when the flowers are the most hydrated and the temperatures are cooler. This helps prevent wilting and ensures that the flowers are at their freshest when placed in the vase or bucket.


Ranunculus as a Cut Flower


Ranunculus are an all time favorite among flower lovers far and wide. As a floral designer, I frequently find myself educating customers on their favorite flower when they walk in and describe something "that kind of looks like a rose, but not really? Do you know what I'm talking about?" It always makes me laugh and is almost always ranunculus. Renowned for their unique features such as paper thin, silk-like petals and a layered or ruffled rose resemblance, these premium pretties are one of the most popular flowers I've worked with. And for good reason! While they are a bit pricey due to their delicate nature and easily-snappable, hollow stems they actually can fare a long vase life when properly cared for. Their longevity and delicate features make them ideal for bridal bouquets, boutonnières, corsages and a wide variety of floral arrangements.


Proper care for these guys is pertinent to their lifespan. Ideally, the stems should be trimmed (use these clippers) at an angle and immediately placed into cool, clean water in a clean vase or 3.5 gallon bucket (3.5 is usually perfect height for ranunculus stems). To maximize the amount of time you get to enjoy your ranunculus, I recommend trimming the stems at an angle, dipping them in this hydrating solution, then placing them into cool, clean water in a clean vase or bucket with good quality flower food mixed in. It's important to change the water frequently to keep bacteria growth at bay. I recommend changing it about every two days. Keep the flowers away from direct sunlight, away from windows, heaters, AC vents and fans. Give the stems a fresh trim every three or four days to reopen their vessels and encourage them to drink more- if they begin to wilt you can use the hydration solution again and they may perk back up for a bit.


Animal lovers beware- most ranunculus are unfortunately poisonous to your pets. While dogs usually can't reach your treasured vase of flowers, your kitchen-counter-loving kitties might get sick if they eat these blooms.


Lots to Love About Ranunculus


While I've already given you some great reasons to love ranunculus (if you don't already), here's a few of my favorite colors and varieties to fully convince you. Meet some of my favorite friends!



Cloni Ranunculus - Prized for their incredible size and high petal count, these stunning flowers demand the attention they deserve. The surface area of their heads once fully opened is typically about double (or more!) of an average ranunculus.



Butterfly Ranunculus - Available in a variety of colors, this unique ranunculus is renowned for their whimsical, "bouncy" features and open petals, unlike the layered petal formation of traditional ranunculus. I love using these in bridal bouquets and watching them gently flutter in the wind, I imagine that's probably how they got their name.


Where to find local flowers around Springfield, Missouri:

For enjoyment and education visit…

For flower farms, gardens and greenhouses you can purchase from (or also just enjoy) visit/contact…


LINKS to floral and garden products I LOVE:


LINKS to my SPRING ESSENTIALS:

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. When you use my recommended links to purchase products, I receive a percentage of commissions! I will never recommend products simply to sell, I will always recommend products I love/want and products I use. Thank you!


Some of my favorite general resources on local flowers and gardening:

Missouri Flower Exchange

Rooted Farmers

Missouri Dept of Conservation 

Master Gardeners of Greene County

Christian County Master Gardeners 

Missouri Invasive Plant Council 


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