Guide to growing Buttercup - Ranunculus
Ranunculus are a large genus of hardy or half hardy perennials.
Due to the large number of species the flowering season is species dependent and ranges from late in the winter until the summer.
Most Ranunculus flowers have cup shaped flowers, though many have double cups.
The range in height of Ranunculus means that where they can be grown is species dependent, ranging from rock gardens, through to borders or in mass.
Some common names for Ranunculus include Buttercup, Creeping Buttercup, Lesser Celandine, Greater Spearwort and Bachelor's Buttons. Latin names include Ranunculus flammula, Ranunculus glacialis and Ranunculus repens.
How to grow Buttercups
Buttercups can be started from roots these should be buried about 5cm deep. When growing Buttercups and other Ranunculus species from seeds it is best to start them in flats in the spring. Ranunculus seeds should be lightly covered once sown, then the flat put into a plastic bag and placed in the fridge for three weeks. The flat should then be removed from the bag and sank into a shady part of the garden and covered with glass.
Seed germination takes from two weeks to three months; as soon as the seedlings emerge transplant them to their final location. Buttercup (Ranunculus) prefer to grow in a partially shaded area or in sunny areas that have moist soils.
Caring for buttercups and similar Ranunculus plants
It is pretty easy to look after Ranunculus; they should be watered during prolonged dry spells or if growing in a sunny area. They like a cool soil so mulch the plants in the spring time. If you require more plants then they can be propagated by division in the spring or autumn.