The Ultimate Guide to Pre Sprouting Ranunculus Corms

Ranunculus are my absolute favorite spring time flowers, but they require a bit more attention than most other spring blooms. They make an amazing Cut Flower and therefore they are worth planting out in our rows of limited growing space. Growing Cut Flowers on less than half an acre means being very picky about what flowers we put in ground. So if we are growing these show stopping flowers, you can be assured you should (and by the end of this post, you will be able to) grow ranunculus too!

Watch Video About How to Pre Sprout Ranunculus

To help you successfully pre-sprout these delicate flowers, I’ve compiled four essential tips:

Red Tecolote Ranunculus

WHEN DO I START PRE SPOUTING THE CORMS?

Great Question! Here in Zone 5B we start soaking our corms the first week of January. On our Flower Farm we aren't growing in any structures or greenhouses so I don't want to put them outside too early. Ranunculus thrive in temps between 50-65 degrees. So head over to your calendar and we are going to work backwards to determine the right time for your to get your corms soaking. When is your weather between 50-65 degrees, now count back 8 weeks. That date is when you want to be planting your corms into the ground. Pre sprouting takes between 2-3 weeks. So now count back 3 more weeks. And that is your Magic date to start the pre sprouting process!

ALRIGHT NOW WE KNOW THE WHEN LETS DIVE INTO THE HOW!

Tip #1: Soak in 60°F (15°C) Water.

Ranunculus corms thrive in mild temperatures, similar to their preferred spring conditions. Soaking them in water that’s around 60°F ensures they rehydrate properly without stress. Avoid using water that’s too hot or too cold, as extreme temperatures can hinder their development.

Tip #2: Limit Soaking Time to 2-4 Hours

It’s crucial not to over-soak your corms. I recommend a soaking period of 2 to 4 hours, leaning towards the shorter end. Over-soaking can lead to mold or rot, especially if the corms become too saturated before root development begins. Keeping the soaking time brief helps maintain the right moisture balance.

While you've got those corms soaking in water you are going to prep the trays.

I like to use a 21" X 11" X 2" tray with no holes in it. It really is just the right size. Now you are going to fill the tray with a layer of dirt on the bottom. The goal is that when you plant the corms to pre sprout they wont be touching the bottom of the tray, but instead be resting on the layer of dirt.

After the corms have soaked for 2 ish hours you'll pull them out of the water and place them in that tray that you filled with dirt. you are going to plant them with the octopus legs pointed down and the flat part of the corm planted up. During this stage we can tuck these corms close to each other. We aren't growing them on in this tray so they aren't needing very much room in here. I place my corms an inch apart or even closer.

Now we cover the corms with an inch of dirt and we wait!

This is how close your corms can be when in the pre sprouting phase.

Tip #3: Avoid Watering Until Roots and Sprouts Appear

After soaking, place your corms in a pre-sprouting medium but refrain from additional watering until you observe root growth and small sprouts. Introducing water too early can cause the corms to rot, as they are susceptible to excess moisture before establishing roots. Monitoring their progress and waiting for visible growth ensures healthier plants. I will go through the trays of pre sprouting corms and check on each one at least once a week. When I'm doing this I am being very careful not to break off any of the top sprouting growth or damage any of the roots that are sprouting.

This is what happens if your corms get too wet, or too warm

Tip #4: Pre-Sprout in a Cool, Consistent Environment

Find a cool, dark area with temperatures between 45-55°F (7-13°C) for pre-sprouting. This environment mimics early spring conditions, encouraging robust root development. Regularly check on your corms every couple of days to monitor for mold and track their progress. Once sprouts emerge, they’re ready to be planted outdoors or in containers.

Its time to plant your Ranunculus when you see white roots and when those little horns start to form

By following these steps, you’ll set the stage for a vibrant and successful ranunculus display in your garden.

For a more detailed walkthrough, including a visual guide, check out my full-length video on pre-sprouting ranunculus.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into pre-sprouting ranunculus, be sure to check out my YouTube video! In the video, I walk you through each step, share my personal tips, and show exactly how I pre-sprout these beautiful spring flowers on our farm. Watch it now to see the process in action and gain the confidence to start your own ranunculus journey!

Pre Sprouting is only the first step to getting those coveted Spring time RANUNCULUS BLOOMS. Follow us on our youtube Channel or read our post on How to Grow Ranunculus for more tips

Happy planting! Pre Sprouting is only the first step to getting those coveted Spring time RANUNCULUS BLOOMS. Follow us on ouror read our post on How to Grow Ranunculus for more tips

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Happy planting!