How to grow Ranunculus and Anemones in hot, humid climates
Nothing says cottage charm like a border mixed with Ranunculus and Anemone. With their wide range of colors and delicate blooms, they’re perfect for cut-flower gardens and bouquets…but timing is everything when growing them in a hot, humid climate!
Here in downtown Charleston, SC (zone 9a), we make sure to prep and plant in Fall for a Ranunculus and Anemones explosion in Spring. Before reading our planting guide, make sure to check your hardiness zone to better understand the timing and planting recommendations for your part of the world.
STEP 1
Order your corms from a quality purveyor
Bulbs and corms are the underground nutrition-storage organ for your future flower growth and big blooms, so you want to make sure they’re from a trusted, high-quality source. For planting in zone 9a, I place my orders in September/October with the expectation of planting in November/December.
We love Eden Brothers for healthy corms!
STEP 2
Pre-soak + Pre-sprout your corms
When your corms arrive they will be hard and brown. Pre-soaking and pre-sprouting will help you shorten the length of time until you see your first bloom. This is helpful in the South, to beat the heat that will arrive in late spring.
To pre-soak: Place corms in a large labeled bowl (it’s easy to get them mixed up, they will double in size as they soak!). Soak in water in a cool area for 3-4 hours only (make sure to remove after 3-4 hours or they can rot).
To pre-sprout: Fill a seed tray with 1 inch of moist seed soil (seed soil is sterile and well draining to prevent rot and disease). Place plump corms claw side down and closely together. Cover with an inch of damp seed soil and keep in a cool dark area around 55 degrees. You will see roots in about 10-12 days.
STEP 3
Time To Plant
Select a space that receives bright light. I like to plant both in full sun and in dappled light, so as temperatures rise in the Lowcountry, my dappled growers will continue to produce longer than those I planted in full sun.
Amend your soil with 2-3 inches of compost (well-draining nutrient rich soil is a must!). Carefully transplant newly sprouted corms 5-6 inches apart, about 2 inches in depth. Do not overcrowd…Ranunculus and Anemones need good air circulation. Drip irrigation is ideal, but if you are hand-watering, try watering at the base of the plant to avoid growing powdery mildew on the leaves.
STEP 4
Fertilize +Protect
Top dress with an organic fertilizer for bulbs, like Bulb Tone. If temps drop below 32 degrees in the winter, cover to protect.
Enjoy the show!
In Spring, sit back and enjoy the show. It’s incredibly rewarding!