The buds opened and their delicate petals unfolded in May. For several weeks the flowers looked simply fantastic with their dazzling colors and shapes. But just because your ranunculus has now bloomed doesn't mean it has to be thrown away!
What to do with ranunculus after flowering?
Flowered ranunculus should not be thrown away. To extend the blooming period, remove spent flowers, fertilize weekly, water abundantly, and provide cooler temperatures. After the flowering period, cut off spent flowers, reduce watering and let the soil dry.
End of blossom – when?
Ranunculus usually finish blooming in July. Depending on whether the wilted flowers were removed regularly, the flowering period lasts more or less long. Some ranunculus are already so exhausted in June that they stop blooming.
Delay the end of flowering
Smart plant lovers don't give up so easily, but rather prolong the flowering. How it works? It should work with these tips:
- Clean out wilted flowers regularly
- don't be economical with fertilizer applications (€17.00 on Amazon) (once a week)
- water abundantly
- ensure cooler temperatures
Preparing faded ranunculus for the winter break
If you have done your best to extend the flowering period, the flowering will still end at some point. The last flowers will have disappeared by the beginning of August at the latest. Now it's time for you to change your care.
On the one hand, all faded flowers should now be cut off. The leaves quickly turn yellow and dry out. They will also be removed. The tuber draws the last nutrients from the parts of the plant. Therefore, you can continue to fertilize the plant until the leaves turn yellow.
Watering should also be reduced at the end of the flowering period. The soil no longer needs to be kept moist. In order to be best prepared for the winter, it is advisable to let the ranunculus soil dry now and then. This is the signal for the tuber to stop sprouting.
Tip
If your ranunculus isn't blooming at all, it may be because it's too dry.