SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Ranunculus

Family: Ranunculaceae Buttercup
Zone 6b Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Ranunculus to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.

Velvet-petaled Ranunculus blooms unfurl like miniature rosettes, their satin surfaces catching light in a spectrum of warm blush, buttery gold, and deep rose.

Each flower forms a dense, layered cup with a softly ruffled texture that holds its shape beautifully through spring displays. Grow as a standout annual for showy beds, borders, and long-lasting cut-flower arrangements—an heirloom-feeling spectacle that brings instant garden drama at 75 days to maturity.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Clumping

Botanical illustration of Ranunculus

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

MilestoneDate
Start IndoorsDirect Sow
Last FrostApr 25th
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsApr 25th
Harvest BeginsJul 9th
Harvest EndsOct 16th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity75
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitClumping
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)55
Min Soil Temp (°F)40
Min Night Temp (°F)28
Harden Off (days)Not Required

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Ranunculus asiaticus, and how can I prevent it?
Ranunculus asiaticus is especially prone to rot from consistently wet soil, often showing up as browned, mushy tubers and wilting shoots. Plant in well-draining soil, keep watering light until shoots emerge, and avoid overhead irrigation; if rot starts, remove affected tubers immediately to protect the rest of the corms.
How often should I water Ranunculus asiaticus during active growth?
During active growth (after shoots emerge until bloom), keep the top 1 inch of soil lightly moist but not soggy, typically watering about 1–2 times per week depending on heat and drainage. Water deeply when the surface begins to dry, and then stop once foliage starts to yellow as the plant transitions toward dormancy.
How do I know when Ranunculus asiaticus is ready to harvest?
Harvest when the flower heads are fully formed and the petals are just beginning to open, with color clearly developed but before the center loosens and petals start to separate. Cut in the morning on dry days, and expect bloom timing around 70–75 days from planting under typical conditions.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Ranunculus in Zone 6b typically begins around 2026-04-25. Wait until soil reaches at least 40°F before transplanting Ranunculus.

Garden Alerts

In Zone 6b, the average last spring frost is around April 25. Watch soil temperature before transplanting Ranunculus.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Ranunculus in Zone 6b typically begins around 2026-04-25. Wait until soil reaches at least 40°F before transplanting Ranunculus.

Garden Alerts

In Zone 6b, the average last spring frost is around April 25. Watch soil temperature before transplanting Ranunculus.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 40°F and nights stay above 28°F before moving outdoors.

Expert Note

Plant ranunculus tubers in cool, consistently moist but well-drained soil as soon as the ground can be worked, then keep moisture steady (don’t let them sit in waterlogged soil).