The Buttercup: A Profile of a Winter Beauty
The buttercup belongs to the Ranunculaceae family, which comprises about 600 species—both annuals and perennials—many of which are wild. One of the most well-known wild buttercup species is Ranunculus acris, commonly known as the common buttercup.
The Asian buttercup (Ranunculus asiaticus), also known as the garden buttercup or florist’s buttercup, is the most common and widespread species. This name is no coincidence: its resistance to temperatures as low as -10°C, the beauty of its fleshy bud, and its ability to hold up well in a vase make it a very popular flower among our beloved florists!
And for those who are curious, the word “buttercup” comes from Latin and means “little frog,” probably because buttercups prefer marshy, damp areas. The buttercup is also known as the “devil’s cup”…
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When should you plant your ranunculus?
Thinking about planting your first ranunculus? The Sessile.fr editorial team reveals the best times to get the ground ready!
Planting Season
The best time to plant ranunculus depends on your region’s climate. In areas with a mild climate, it’s recommended to plant ranunculus inthe fall, between September and November. This allows the bulbs to form before winter frosts set in. In colder regions, it’s best to plant them in the spring, once the risk of frost has passed.
Soil Preparation
Buttercups prefer well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Before planting the bulbs, prepare the soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure. Plant the bulbs about 5 cm deep, spacing them 10 to 15 cm apart.
Buttercup Blooming Season
Buttercups generally begin to bloom in the middle of winter and continue into early spring. Depending on the region and when they are planted, the first flowers appear as early as January and continue to bloomthrough May.
Ideal Conditions for Flowering
To produce abundant blooms, ranunculus need plenty of light. Choose a spot in full sun or partial shade. Water regularly, but be careful not to let the soil become waterlogged, as ranunculus—like many other flowers—do not like excess water.
The Season for Pruning and Fertilizing Ranunculus
To enjoy healthy ranunculus and ensure abundant blooms, follow our care tips!
Watering and Fertilizing Ranunculus
Water the ranunculus so that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering after flowering and let the foliage dry out naturally. Fertilize your flowers with a balanced fertilizer every two to three weeks during the growing season.
Pruning and Dividing Ranunculus
After blooming, cut off the wilted flowers to encourage new blooms. At the end of the season, dig up the bulbs, let them dry, and store them in a cool, dry place until the next planting season.
A few tips for extending the ranunculus season
To extend the pleasure of admiring your ranunculus, we recommend spacing out your plantings over several weeks. By planting bulbs every two to three weeks, you’ll enjoy continuous blooms all through the spring!
Sessile.fr's take on the ranunculus season
At Sessile.fr, we strongly believe in the power of (beautiful) flowers! Every day, we work with a smile to promote a sustainable production process that respects the environment and the rhythms of nature. Flowers grown with fertilizers and exposed to supermarket lighting? Not for us!
It may not seem like much, but… When you choose a buttercup from your local florist, you’re guaranteed a high-quality flower, carefully tended by artisans who passionately create lush, fragrant, and long-lasting bouquets!
Who are we?
Sessile champions the independence of artisan florists online. Founded in 2019 by six friends, Sessile brings together 500 florists committed to transforming the industry and enables flower delivery throughout France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. By breaking away from the traditional online catalog model, the network highlights each florist’s expertise and helps keep the art of floristry alive. Florists can pursue their passion and create more creative bouquets because they have greater freedom to offer seasonal flowers and, whenever possible, locally sourced flowers.
