Growing 10” to 12” tall, these hard-to-find, claw-like tubers yield long-lasting, camellia-like, ruffled flowers with darker centers and lacy foliage. The tender tubers may be fall-planted outdoors in HZ 8-10 (mulch is a must in HZ 8). In HZ 3-7, hold the tubers over the winter in 60°F, dry conditions and plant them outdoors after any threat of spring frost has passed. Immediately prior to planting, soak the tubers for three to four hours in room temperature water to promote faster sprouting and root development. Plant the tubers 2" deep and 4" to 6” apart in full sunlight and well-draining soil. Plant with the claws pointing down. Allow the foliage to die back naturally. (In HZ 3-7, lift the tubers and store for the winter, or discard. In HZ 8-10, the tubers will go dormant for several months followed by the next growth cycle.)

Ranunculus are terrific grown indoors in cool, bright greenhouse conditions without precooling. After soaking, pot the tubers closely together, covered with 2" of sterile potting soil in well-draining pots. Place them in a 55° to 60°F greenhouse in light shade until the sprouts are 2” tall, then shift the pots into bright greenhouse sunlight. They flower in 10 to 16 weeks or so once potted. Tuber size: Jumbo.