Italian breeding has taken the humble ranunculus and turned it into a fluffy, fully double delight with layers upon layers of petals within a stunning colour range. These ranunculus are larger and fuller than standard ranunculus and are used in the cut flower industry, lasting well over a week in the vase.

Italian Anemones also offer exceptional characteristics for cut flowers, with long strong stems and large blooms.
 

Preparation & Planting

Choose a site with a full sun to light shade position. Prepare a bed by removing weeds and incorporating organic matter and fertiliser.

Plant the octopus-like Ranunculus corms in autumn,  into a rich, well drained soil.

The "legs" of the octopus are planted facing down, about 3-5cm deep and spacing 15-20cm apart. Cover with soil and water well.

Anemone corms have a rounded top and a soft point underneath. Plant them at the same depth & spacing as ranunculus.

​

Fertilising & Watering

Water to establish and keep moist and well fertilised during active growth.

Fertilising regularly will ensure the plants are able to keep pumping out blooms for up to 6 weeks. Deadheading spent flowers will also prolong the display.

​

Pests & Diseases

New growth is vulnerable to attack from slugs, snails, earwigs and other insects. Protect with chosen bait or other methods.

Aphids are a common pest at the start of flowering season for both ranunculus and anemones. Preemptive release of beneficial insects such as lacewings and ladybrids can help get on top of them before they get a hold.

Ranunculus plants can sometimes be susceptible to powdery mildew, a fungal disease that shows as a whitish bloom over the leaves. It can often show up at the end of the season when the weather is getting too hot and the plants are water stressed. If it shows up early in the season, use a fungicide, however if at the end of the season (Oct-Nov) you can just let the plants die back.

 

Plant Care

When the season is coming to end in late spring, the plants leaves will start turning yellow and flower production is slowed. Cut back any old flower heads to allow to plant to concentrate energy into developing corms for next season.

Once foliage has completely died back, lift the corms, allow to dry out for a week or two and store in vermiculite or coco coir in a ventilated container (cardboard box or mesh bag) until planting time in autumn.

​