How to Grow Buttercup Flowers

Select jumbo bulbs that are at least 7/8 inches in diameter, especially if you are planting the bulb in a container. Expect at least 35 cuttable flowers from this size bulb during the growing season. If cost is a factor, select the next-size-smaller bulb and plant multiples of it in the garden to produce more flowers. Pick bulbs that produce double or single blooms according to your preferences.

Plant ranunculus bulbs in the fall if you live in one of the Southern states. Otherwise, plant the bulbs early in the spring just prior to the last frost for the area where you live. Start bulbs in indoor pots, if you prefer, and transfer the pots outdoors as the weather warms. Bulbs planted in the fall bloom in the early spring. Spring-planted bulbs flower in June and July.

Select a spot in the garden that receives full sun for the buttercups. Find a location with well-drained soil.

Dig a hole large enough for the buttercup bulb, about 2 inches deep, using a hand trowel. Set the bulb in the hole with the claw portion of the bulb pointed down. Cover the bulb lightly with soil.

Place jumbo bulbs 8 to 12 inches apart. Allow one ranunculus bulb per square foot of space. Plant one or two jumbo bulbs in a 10-inch container.

Water the ground thoroughly. Cover the ground with mulch. Check for sprouts in 15 to 20 days. Don't water the bulbs again until you see spouts. Only water as necessary to keep the soil slightly damp.