Ranunculus

Ranunculus description

Ranunculus is a plant that also has a second name - the garden Asian buttercup. The homeland of ranunculus is Asia Minor, and the culture itself belongs to a rather extensive family of buttercups. This genus was popular, then lost its popularity. Today it is again at its best, since the plants in it are quite decorative and, at the same time, practically unpretentious, if we talk about caring for them. Today the genus unites about 600 different species of ranunculus, some of them are actively cultivated by gardeners, but most of them generally remain not fully understood, and the properties of these plants are completely unknown.

If you cut a flower of this plant and place it in a vase of water, then it will retain not only its attractive and fresh appearance, but also its aroma for almost two weeks. The Italians gave this plant a nickname - the golden buttons of the meadows. These are really not the biggest plants that any gardener will remember, so they really deserve attention. In this article, we will talk in more detail about what features this plant has, about its characteristics. We will also highlight the subtleties of planting and caring for a plant at home. The article will be of interest to both experienced gardeners and inexperienced growers who are trying to find as many new crops and plant species as possible in order to expand their knowledge of cultures.

Features of the culture and its cultivation

Asian ranunculus, buttercup is a very attractive, showy flower. It is most often used to decorate apartments and gardens with it. The plant is grown on balconies, terraces, in living quarters, and everywhere, when creating a favorable microclimate, the plant will feel great. The height of the bushes is different, it can vary from twenty to eighty centimeters. The shoots of the plant are very strong, deeply dissected dense leaves are located directly on them. As for the root system, it looks like a tuber, which more in its shape resembles the legs of geese than the typical root of a plant. The shoots, along with the roots and leaves, more resemble another plant - dahlias, so sometimes some gardeners, even those with experience, may confuse them with each other.

The flowers of the buttercup are incredibly spectacular, they can be different - semi-double, double, and densely double, it all depends solely on which variety this ranunculus belongs to. Flowers differ from each other also in color, but it is worth noting that flowers that are painted in blue or blue shades never occur at all. The diameter of the flowers can vary from five to ten centimeters, the flowers do not bloom at the same time, but gradually, blooming begins in May and continues right up to August, and the flowering will be attractive, especially if all the most necessary and favorable conditions were initially created for the plant. At the very beginning of the opening, the flowers are very reminiscent of rose flowers, but then the gardener can already see the difference. Just when fully expanded, the flowers become poppy-like. Most often, white and pink types of ranunculus are used to draw up decorative bouquets and flower arrangements. But at the same time, be sure to remember that the juice that is secreted by the plant can be very poisonous, so you should be very careful with the plants after cutting.

Today, florists and horticulturists are interested in growing a wide variety of species and varieties of ranunculus, especially if we are talking about an Asian plant. It is divided into two types - chalmoid ranunculus and Persian ranunculus. The chalmoid ranunculus has flowers that in their shape are very reminiscent of the flowers of peonies, but the Persian ranunculus has inflorescences that are just very similar to roses. Here, the gardener can choose any variety that he likes best, because everyone has very different tastes, and it cannot be said that some type is more preferable, and some less.

In order to grow very beautiful, decorative and attractive flowers, it is worth keeping in mind some subtleties and adhering to a few rules. Basically, all these rules relate exclusively to the care of plants, and therefore we will definitely list them now. So, the rules for growing ranunculus are as follows:

• when top dressing is applied to the soil, the root system may suffer - there is a great risk that burns will begin to form on it. In this case, it is necessary to use only those dressings. The composition of which includes vermicompost, since it has an excellent effect on the roots of the plant, and also just wonderfully protects them from possible damage precisely because of the incorrectly calculated concentration of feeding
• the flower reacts very negatively to the transplant, so it must be disturbed and transplanted from place to place only if necessary, and if there are no other options for planting care
• when the buttercup begins to bloom, then it needs some components - limestone and potassium, which have an excellent effect on the plant's immunity and can make the flowering not only bright, but also longer
• also, so that the duration of watering is stretched, it is recommended to reduce the watering of the buttercup during this period. Also, the container in which the plant is located must be rearranged to a shaded place so that direct sunlight does not cause burns or drying out of the aerial part of the plant.
• when the leaf is completely dry, then the tubers must be dug out of the site and removed for wintering in another place. This is due to the fact that this culture does not have a high level of frost resistance, and a decrease in temperature, frost - all this can kill ranunculus
• if the gardener wants to become the owner of a spectacular bouquet, then not one species can be planted in one container, but several specimens at once, which will differ in bright color and their external characteristics. Then there will be a very lively bouquet, which, moreover, will bloom gradually, creating the impression and appearance that the flowering is very long. In principle, this is how it is characterized by more experienced gardeners.
• inflorescences that begin to fade gradually must also be removed. In this case, there is a high probability that new flowers can open much faster, since all the energy of the plant will go just for their opening and development. At the end of summer, shoots should be removed, doing this to the very foundation, so that in the next season the plant begins to gain strength, and becomes even more powerful and attractive. So, in general, a lot will depend on the care of the gardener himself; the simplest requirements and rules cannot be ignored.

This plant grows well and develops both in well-lit and sunny places, and in the shade. By the way, the shadow suits this plant much more. The plant retains a bright color of inflorescences, while the duration of flowering in the shade may even increase, and this is a huge plus. Also, the buttercup should be protected from drafts or sudden gusts of wind, since the culture does not react in the best way to such conditions. The plant does not tolerate frost, sudden changes in temperature, temperature drops.In this regard, it is necessary to plant the plant only when the threat of frost (including recurrent frost) is reduced to a minimum. This point must also be taken into account by gardeners.

The soil for this plant needs light and loose, the acidity should be neutral. Also, this soil mixture must be saturated with nutrients so that the plant has where to feed on them. It can be peat or humus, which is thoroughly mixed into a homogeneous mass with black soil. Also, some chalk can be added to this mass for neutralization. If the site is loamy, then buttercups should never be planted there. It is also worth remembering that the soil during watering should perfectly perceive moisture, absorb it, but moisture in the soil should not linger too much, otherwise, because of this, rotting of the root system will begin. In order to avoid rot, the soil is well drained before planting a plant in it. To do this, a small amount of sand, expanded clay, pebbles or crushed brick is poured onto the very bottom of the planting pit. Before planting a buttercup, it is also worth carefully digging up the soil, and also adding some compost to it - the volumes directly depend on how many plants are planted and on what area the planting is carried out. Also, the soil should be treated with such a preparation as foundation, as it allows it to saturate and protect it from attacks from pests and bacteria, which can be dangerous for the root system and for the aerial part of the plant in the future.

The seed breeding method of buttercups can raise many questions, and the process itself is characterized as complex and laborious. This is due to the fact that the germination rate of seeds has a low percentage, and this can stop the gardener from choosing this particular method of reproduction. Experienced gardeners still recommend when choosing seeds to rely on the fact that the most fertile and promising seeds are in those flowers that the first stopped flowering. To prevent the entire seeds from spilling onto the surface of the soil, it is necessary to first wrap the inflorescences with gauze so that they are inside it. Seeds are sown in mid-February, it is better not to delay this process and not postpone it too much. For planting seeds, it is recommended to use a light substrate, which will be enriched with all the necessary nutrients and minerals and trace elements.

After the seeds are sent to the substrate, they should then be sprinkled with a sufficiently thick layer of soil - the layer should be about two centimeters, this is one feature of planting. Cover the container with sown seeds with glass or stretch cling film to create a greenhouse effect. The container is also sent to a place that will be well lit, and the temperature in this place should be within 15-17 degrees - the range of the ideal temperature for ranunculus. If necessary, it is periodically necessary to moisten the soil. The first seedlings will appear about two to three weeks after the seeds have been sent into the ground.

As soon as shoots appear, the gardener should immediately remove the glass or any other shelter. As soon as two pairs of true full-fledged leaves are formed on the seedlings, the plant must be picked off and the picks must be sent to separate containers. When spring finally comes into its own, the weather is stable and there are no risks of return frosts, then the plants can be planted in open ground. Flowering will begin only next year, and if the gardener does not want to wait so long, and he wants to get quick results, then this breeding method is unlikely to suit him.

After the weather returns to normal and the soil gradually warms up, it is necessary to plant buttercups, or rather planting the tubers of the plant in open ground.This time usually falls either on the very last days of April, or on the first days of May. Planting tubers is not at all a difficult task, but here there are certain subtleties and rules that should be taken into account in order to get high-quality plantings. Before the tubers go into the open ground, it is necessary to carefully prepare from. To do this, the tubers are placed in moistened moistened moss, sawdust. A dampened sponge is also suitable for this. The tubers should lie in this state for about a few hours. A gardener can also achieve the same result if he soaks the tubers in water, in a weak solution of potassium permanganate, in order to further disinfect the tubers. In some cases, you can also add a certain amount of drugs to the same liquid that stimulate the growth of tubers. You should immediately choose a permanent place, since the flower may not respond in the best way to transplants, it may start to hurt, and growth will slow down.

The pit for planting is prepared in advance, the tuber is lowered into it with its beak down and deepened by about eight centimeters, no more. If this is a group planting, then between the plants it is imperative to maintain a distance of ten to fifteen centimeters so that each bush feels as comfortable and easy as possible, so that they have a place to grow. If suddenly frosts can be expected and predicted, then it is best to protect the plantings from these manifestations from the outside. For this, the plantings are covered with straw or agrofibre, spruce branches are also suitable. After two to three months, several powerful peduncles will grow on each bush, and flowering will also begin after a while - ideal for those who would like to get a quick and spectacular result. We talked about some of the intricacies of planting a plant, and then we will dwell on how to care for ranunculus at home, and what rules should be followed so that the plant can open up and demonstrate the maximum of its decorative and positive qualities.

Ranunculus home care

In general, more experienced gardeners say that caring for this planting is not difficult at all. Systematically, the plant is moderately moistened, but at the same time it is imperative that the soil does not accumulate moisture, since it is because of this that such a common attack is formed - rot. But you can find out in time that the flower has begun to rot - rot appears on the leaves and stems, which can also gradually move to the once healthy buds, making them weak and completely unattractive.

If the gardener noticed the affected parts of the plant, it is recommended to immediately remove them from the plant, and loosen the soil around the planting, reduce watering or stop it altogether until the soil dries out and the condition of the plant returns to normal. Flowers that have already bloomed must also be removed in a timely manner, since because of them the ranunculus will not be able to give new flowering, or the flowering will be, but scarce, unattractive. Around the plant, it is necessary to regularly loosen the soil, remove weeds. Top dressing also plays an important role; organic fertilizers are especially suitable for this. For example, twice a month, the soil should be fertilized with potash, and during active flowering, additives such as potassium sulfate, potassium salt or wood ash are perfect - here the gardener can choose exactly what is available to him.

Pests such as spider mites can settle on the bushes, and thrips and aphids reproduce on leaves and shoots. If suddenly the gardener saw white or silvery spots on the leaves, then he should immediately take measures to combat the pest and its signs.Bushes should be treated with insecticidal preparations, diluting them in accordance with the instructions for use. As a preventive measure, the plant should also be treated with a 0.2% solution of mercaptophos two or three times a week, but this should also be done very carefully, constantly monitoring the general condition of the plant, its reactions to certain treatments.

The main question for gardeners is how to care for ranunculus at home? In general, buttercups are quite easy to care for in conditions when they grow on the balcony. But in order for the plant to grow and develop in accordance with the norms, you still need to know some secrets and rules. In indoor conditions, this plant does not tolerate loneliness very well, so several bushes should be planted in one container at once. For planting, you can also use a decorative box, the main thing is that it is voluminous. At the very bottom, a drainage layer is laid out, and several holes are made for drainage. For planting, you need to take the same soil mixture as for planting a plant in a personal plot. This soil must be based on peat. Before planting, the tubers should be immersed in settled water at room temperature for about a day. At the bottom of the container, a drainage layer is laid, which can consist of pebbles, crushed stone, expanded clay, broken brick, or, in general, from egg shells. Further, the soil is poured out from above, on its surface the gardener lays out the tubers. They should also be sprinkled with soil, and only the tops of the tubers should rise above the top layer of soil.

If the volume of the container is enough for the plant, then several more tubers can be planted in the same pot. Further, the plants are well moistened and for the first time they are removed to a place where it will be cool and the temperature will be about 12 degrees. As necessary, the plantings are periodically moistened, but it is also worth making sure that the moisture in the soil does not stagnate, otherwise this will lead to the fact that the tubers begin to rot, and here there can be no question of any possible seedlings.

When the seedlings reach a few centimeters, the pot is moved to a warmer place, where the temperature is between twenty and 22 degrees. If the gardener would like to enjoy the incredible flowering of the plant for a long time, then at this time the temperature should be kept stable at 18 degrees. Such a plant, when it grows precisely in indoor conditions, needs direct sunlight to fall on it. Taking this condition into account, it is best to place ranunculi on window sills that have a western or eastern orientation; a window with a southern orientation is also suitable.

When the weather on the street finally returns to normal and becomes warm, then, if the grower himself wishes, you can place plantings in fresh air - ideally, these are balconies, or loggias, or terraces. Ranunculus should be periodically moistened, while when the ranunculus enters the stage of active growth, a certain amount of fertilizer can also be added to the water to feed the planting. Watering is top, but it should be borne in mind that waterlogging of the soil should not be allowed, otherwise it will lead to the fact that the plant will begin to rot. Periodically, it is necessary to moisten the foliage, for this spraying it from a spray bottle. When the ranunculus begins to fade, then the watering should also gradually decrease. However, sometimes it is worth adding a little liquid.

In late autumn, the tubers can be dug out of the soil. After the shoots turn yellow and dry, and the same will happen with the foliage, then they must be cut off, and the tubers must be dug out of the soil. Also, the gardener should remember that the root part of these plants is very delicate and fragile, and the roots break very easily from any mechanical stress. Therefore, the digging process must be very careful and filigree.A perennial can die if the temperature drops to -7 degrees, and therefore the tubers, after digging up, are best stored in an underground and basement with good ventilation. The air temperature in such rooms should be between four and six degrees. The tubers are also wrapped in dried moss, or they can be folded into a paper bag. Before the tubers are finally sent for storage, it is necessary to process them in a foundationol solution for thirty minutes. After that, the tubers should dry out in a shaded place. Drying time is about three days. If a mild winter is predicted in the area where the perennial grows, then, in principle, the plant can not even be dug out for this time. But it should be insulated by covering it with dry leaves, straw or spruce branches.

When the ranunculus fades, it should be removed to a shaded area that will also be pretty cool. For some time after this, the plant will still show its growth, and after a while it will be completely immersed in a state of dormancy. In this case, both shoots and leaves will turn yellow and begin to dry. Ranunculus should then be transplanted into a more updated and fresh substrate, and the container with the plant should be transferred to a place where the temperature will vary from 15 to 18 degrees. The duration of the dormant state is about 4 weeks, and already around April the very first sprouts and young leaves will appear.

We also note that while the plant is in a state of its intensive growth, then from each tuber can grow from five to seven shoots. They should be very carefully dug up and divided, then the tubers can be planted in separate containers, or you can simply save them until spring, so that later they can be planted in open ground. In principle, a gardener can cope with all these procedures if he adheres to agricultural techniques, it is enough just to know the rules and subtleties, and then the plant will certainly respond with gratitude to the care and care of the grower.