SKU: 00840369421197 15 Persian Buttercup bulbs--Ranunculus Tecolote Mixture

Key Features

• Growth Habit: Cool-season, tuberous perennial with compact mounds of finely divided, fern-like foliage and upright flowering stems.
• Bloom Color: Available in brilliant shades of white, cream, yellow, gold, orange, apricot, pink, rose, red, burgundy, lavender, purple, and striking bi-color combinations.
• Fragrance: Light to no noticeable fragrance.
• Fruit Flavor: Produces small seed heads that are ornamental only and not edible.
• Culinary Uses: None. Persian Buttercup is strictly an ornamental plant and should never be consumed.
• Medicinal Uses: No recognized medicinal uses. Although some Ranunculus species were used historically in traditional folk medicine, Ranunculus asiaticus is considered toxic and is not recommended for medicinal use.
• Possible Toxicity to Pets or Humans: Toxic if ingested. All parts of the plant contain protoanemonin, which may cause mouth irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal distress in people, cats, dogs, horses, and livestock. Fresh sap may also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Wear gloves when handling tubers if you have sensitive skin.
• Wildlife & Pest Resistance: Flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators. Deer and rabbits generally avoid the plants because of their natural toxicity. Slugs, snails, aphids, and spider mites may occasionally become problems under humid or crowded conditions.
• Planting Zone: Hardy in USDA Zones 8–11. In Zones 4–7, tubers are commonly grown as annuals or lifted and stored indoors over winter.
• Sun Preferences: Full sun to partial shade. Performs best with 6 or more hours of direct sunlight daily, especially in cool spring weather.
• Drought Tolerance: Moderate. Prefers evenly moist, well-drained soil during active growth but is sensitive to soggy conditions and enters dormancy after flowering.
• Mature Size: Typically grows 12–18 inches tall with a spread of 6–12 inches.

When and How to Prune

• Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming and maintain a tidy appearance.
• Allow the foliage to remain until it naturally yellows after flowering so the tubers can store energy for the following season.
• Once the foliage has completely died back, trim it to ground level.
• Cut flowers for bouquets when buds are soft and beginning to show color for the longest vase life.

Planting Instructions (Tubers into the Ground)

1. Plant tubers in fall in USDA Zones 8–11 or in early spring after the danger of hard frost has passed in colder climates.
2. Before planting, soak the tubers in room-temperature water for 3–4 hours to rehydrate them and encourage faster sprouting.
3. Choose a location with fertile, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.
4. Plant the tubers 2–3 inches deep with the claw-like "fingers" pointing downward.
5. Space tubers 4–6 inches apart to allow good airflow and healthy growth.
6. Backfill with soil and water thoroughly after planting.
7. Keep the soil evenly moist but never saturated during active growth.
8. Apply a light layer of mulch to help conserve moisture while avoiding excessive moisture around the tubers.

Overwintering Steps

• In USDA Zones 8–11, tubers can remain in the ground if the soil is well-drained.
• In colder climates, allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering.
• Carefully dig up the tubers once the foliage has completely dried.
• Brush off excess soil and allow the tubers to cure in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area for several days.
• Store tubers in dry peat moss, vermiculite, or paper bags in a cool, frost-free location (40–50°F / 4–10°C) until planting time.
• Inspect stored tubers periodically during winter and discard any that show signs of rot or mold.
• Replant in spring after the danger of hard frost has passed.

With its layers of silky petals, dazzling colors, and exceptional cut-flower quality, Persian Buttercup (Ranunculus asiaticus) is one of the most elegant spring bloomers available. Whether planted in garden beds, patio containers, or cutting gardens, these spectacular flowers provide weeks of brilliant color and timeless beauty, making them a favorite among gardeners and floral designers alike.