Also known as Buttercup · 174 saves
Ranunculus
Ranunculus, the genus most gardeners know as buttercup. We track 18 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 18 most-saved Ranunculus varieties
6 species of Ranunculus
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Ranunculus in Sow
Save the Ranunculus you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Ranunculus
Whats common across all Ranunculus varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 18 most-grown of them.
The Ranunculus year
- PlantSeptember and October83% of varieties
Plant or transplant rhizomes in spring or early fall.
- FertilizeMarch–May50% of varieties
Use aquatic fertilizer tabs if grown in containers or poor soil.
- Lift & StoreJune44% of varieties
Lift tubers when foliage yellows; cure and store in a cool, dry place for winter.
- DivideMay33% of varieties
Divide every 2-3 years to control aggressive spread and maintain vigor.
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Mulch to conserve moisture and control weeds
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid planting in poorly drained soil
- Allow soil to dry out completely ❌
- Refrain from fertilizing late in the season
What goes wrong with Ranunculus
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Slugs | Irregular holes in foliage | Apply organic slug bait or handpick |
| Generally pest-free | No significant insect damage is typical | Monitor only; nothing here limits its spread |
| Snails | Chewed leaves and slime trails | Use snail bait or handpick regularly |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Root Rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Ensure well-drained soil and reduce watering |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
Making more Ranunculus
Division
- Divide tubers in early spring or fall.
- Replant immediately at same depth.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
Seed
- Sow seeds on surface of moist soil in early spring.
- Cover lightly with soil and keep moist for germination (2-3 weeks).
Ranunculus questions
How many types of Ranunculus are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 18 distinct Ranunculus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 174 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Ranunculus grow in?
Across its varieties, Ranunculus covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Ranunculus bloom?
Most Ranunculus varieties bloom in summer, early spring, mid-spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Ranunculus should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.