PLANTING RANUNCULI

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 306, 17 March 1928, Page 30

PLANTING RANUNCULI

BEAUTIFUL SPRING BULBS Ranunculi bulbs are quite hardy and may be planted any time from March till early June, although the earlier they are planted the quicker they flower and more growth they make before the colder months arrive. It should be noted that Ranunculus is very seldom successful the second year when cormes are left in the ground from the previous season. The bulbs should always be lifted immediately the foliage turns yellow, dried and stored until the next planting season. Varieties to Plant: There are several types of Ranunculi, and the choice of varieties lies between the Asiaticus, a mixture of double and semi-double flowers, all brilliant shades and hues; the Turban, a larger and coarser variety than the former but with a bigger percentage of double flowers. The Persian and French are neater and more perfect from the florists’ point of view although perhaps not so robust in growth as the -Asiaticus. All varieties like a deep, cool soil with plenty of rotted manure and leaf mould added. Plant the cormes 2in deep deep and 9in apart. Soaking the bulbs overnight is a good practice if the ground is inclined to be dry. Constant waterings should be applied during the warmer autumn months to help the growth along early. If artificial manure is being used, bonedust or slag are the best while the bulbs are dormant. Once they have started m growth quicker fertilisers may be applied if plants are backward.