Florentine Ranunculus 'Burgundy' (Ranunculus asiaticus)

Add a touch of sophistication and drama to your garden with Florentine Ranunculus Burgundy! This variety features rich burgundy blooms with deep, almost black undertones on tall 80cm stems. Blooming in late spring, these double-petaled flowers make a stunning statement in garden beds, borders, and floral arrangements. Renowned for their long vase life, they are a top choice for cut flowers.

Key Features & Benefits:
✅ Deep Burgundy Blooms – Lush, double-petaled flowers with a striking, dark hue
✅ Tall & Elegant – Grows up to 60cm+ in height, perfect for cut flowers
✅ Long-Lasting Blooms – Ideal for floral arrangements and bouquets
✅ Easy to Grow – Thrives in full sun or dappled light
✅ Great for Gardens & Containers – Flourishes in beds, borders, or pots
✅ No Refrigeration Required – Simple storage and planting

Planting & Care Instructions:
📍 Position: Full sun (tolerates dappled light)
🌱 Height: 60cm+ | Width: 20cm
🌿 Plant Depth: 3cm | Plant Spacing: 10cm
📆 Planting Window: March - July
🌸 Flowering Time: September - November
🌍 Growing Zones: Vic, SA, TAS, NSW, QLD (excluding the tropics – read below for tropical growing tips)

How to Plant:
Prepare soil to a depth of 20cm, ensuring it's light and well-draining. Plant corms 3cm deep, spacing 10cm apart. The planting direction doesn’t matter—the corms will naturally orient themselves. For potted ranunculus, use a high-quality, free-draining potting mix and add gravel at the base to improve drainage.

Growing in Tropical & Warmer Climates:
Ranunculus prefers cooler temperatures and can be challenging to grow in hot, humid tropical regions. However, they can still be successfully cultivated with extra care:

• Provide afternoon shade to reduce heat stress.
• Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot in high humidity.
• Grow as annuals rather than perennials in warm climates.
• Pre-chill corms for 4-6 weeks before planting to mimic winter dormancy.
• Use mulch to keep the roots cool and retain soil moisture.

Care Tips:
Water consistently until dormancy. Fertilize as blooms appear to encourage strong growth. Leave the foliage to fully die down—this nourishes the corm for next year’s flowers. To promote even germination, pre-soak corms in ⅓ strength Seasol solution before planting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

❓ Do I need to refrigerate ranunculus corms before planting?
🌱 No, refrigeration is not required, but pre-chilling can help in warmer climates.

❓ Can I grow them in containers?
🌿 Yes! Use a high-quality, free-draining potting mix and place gravel at the bottom for better drainage.

❓ How long do the flowers last?
🌸 Ranunculus blooms last several weeks, making them ideal for floral displays.

❓ When should I plant the corms?
📆 Best planting time is March - July, with flowers appearing September - November.

❓ Can these be used for cut flowers?
✂️ Absolutely! Ranunculus are highly prized for their long vase life and elegant appearance.