What is the best way to care for blooming Ranunculas - I have lots of blooms but the foliage is browning and I'm concerned they might not flower again next year.
Hey Anne, Ranunculus like to be well fertilised while growing. Either a general purpose fertiliser or a specific bulb fertiliser would be quite suitable. Composted animal manure is also good.
Water to keep them just moist, not wet. Do not let ranunculus plants become too dry, as this will cause the older leaves to die back quickly, leaving the plants looking rather straggly.
Flowering: Kept adequately watered with a little fertiliser applied every month, the plants will produce flowers over a period of several months. Ranunculus flowers are long lasting in the vase and should be picked when the flower heads have half unfurled from their tight bud stage.
Care after flowering: With warmer temperatures in late spring, the plants will begin to die back. The corms and tubers can be harvested and reused the next year, but the tubers available for sale are younger with more vigour and will give better results.