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Data
Botanical name: Ranunculus asiaticus
Family: Ranunculaceae
Origin: Middle East, East Mediterranean
Type: Tuberous roots
Planting season: Autumn
Flowering season: Winter to spring
Hardiness: 10F/-12C
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Charm of Ranunculus
Because they belong to ranunculaceae as well as anemones, some of their features are similar to anemones. You can enjoy flowers continuously from each bulb, and you can make large flowers if you fertilize them enough.
The bulbs are unexpectedly small.
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Choosing Bulbs
Same as anemones, hard-dried bulbs are sold in nurseries. If someone sees these bulbs for the first time, he or she might not believe that they would have such gorgeous flowers. Same as other bulbs, choose the comparatively large bulbs.
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Planting Bulbs
A rununculas bulb looks like octopus legs are surrounding the growth point. Plant the end of the legs lower (see the figure).
Autumn is the proper season to plant the bulbs in most of the parts in Japan and America, however plant them in spring if the winter temperature reaches below 10F/-12C.
Same as anemones, because the bulbs are hard-dried, pre-treatment is recommended to prevent cracks on the surface, which may caused by abrupt water absorption.
The pre-treatment method is as follows; plant the bulbs in vermiculite, and water them with spray gradually until they germinate. However, I wrapped the bulbs in wet kitchen towel and a plastic bag, and stored them in the refrigerator until they get the roots, and succeeded.
To plant them in soil, the depth is 1/2 or 1 inch. Even if the bulbs are small, they will grow big. So, it is ideal to plant them at least 3 inches apart.
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Location
They like sunlight. It is ideal to avoid the rain, because wet condition makes the foliage weak.
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Watering
Do not let the soil dry. Stop watering when the foliage starts to yellow and dye back.
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Fertilizer
Mix fertilizer in the soil before planting, and give liquid fertilizer while the plants are growing. If you want to re-use the bulbs, give another fertilizer when the flowers start to fade.
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Pest Control
Ranunculas is aphids' favourite. Ans birds also like their small sprouts. See the links for the pest control information.
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After the Flower
If you pick faded flowers right away, they have another flowers continuously.
You can leave the bulbs in the soil and start watering again in the autumn to grow the second generation. And, you also can dig out the bulbs after the foliage dies back, and store them in vermiculite until autumn. If you expect the second generation in any way, give the first generation sufficient fertilizer.
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Utility
Ranunculuses are good to make dry flowers. The method is mentioned in the Utility of Anemone.
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Medical Effect
Caution: It is not recommended to make medicines because it is risky to intake plants without professional knowledge.
Medical Parts: Herb
Indication: Blisters, bronchitis, chronic skin complaints,
neuralgia and rheumatism.
Because the juice of fresh ranunculuces also may cause irritation, as well as anemones, it is recommended to wear gloves if you have sensitive skin. The poisoness substances are decomposed and less irritative, if the plant is cut into small pieces or dried.
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