Ranunculus asiaticus, 'Maché Chocolate', F1 Hybrid

Germination

Sow Oct-Feb. in a cold frame or greenhouse. Surface sow onto moist, well-drained seed compost. Just cover with a sprinkling of soil. Ideal temp. 10-16°C. Do not allow to dry out. Allow autumn warmth followed by winter cold to offer ideal conditions for germination to occur in spring as the weather warms. Germination takes 30-90 days approx. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to 12-14cm pots and grow on. Handle the roots very carefully. Acclimatise and plant out after danger of frost has passed or grow on under glass.

Growing

Prefers a fertile, humus-rich soil which is moist but well-drained in full or partial sun. Ranunculus will benefit from improved soil nutrition, add a fertiliser to the potting mix or use a liquid feed. Allow plenty of space between plants for maximum growth.

Cultivation

After flowering in spring the plant will die back through autumn. Under the ground a crown is forming. The crown can be lifted in autumn and stored in a cool, dry place. Alternatively this plant may be treated as an annual.