RANUNCULUS

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 109, 10 May 1934, Page 18

RANUNCULUS

CARE IN CULTIVATION

Like all other plants Ranunculus repays good cultivation. , If the natural soil is of a heavy nature some of this should be removed and replaced* with sandy loam, to which may be added a light dressing, of well-decayed cow manure and lime, forming .a lied Gin above the surrounding soil, level, and allowed: to remain for some'weeks befo.re being planted with tho roots. The bed should be in an open, sunny position. • '

Ranunculus aro sometimes attacked by a soil fungus which may render the plants useless. It is a good plan where theso plants are to be grown to treat the prepared soil with Chishunt compound at the rate of. one gallon of solution per square yard. . This will thoroughly purify the soil of all soil fungi.

The roots should be planted with the claws, downwards, and have ample room to grow—9in to 12in apart not being too much. Plant about l^in to 2in deep. The addition of "a littlo coarse sand around the roots at planting vt'imo will prove beneficial and assist drainage. The most suitable fertiliser is bone:nieal or.bonedust used at the rate of two to three ounces per square yard. This should be thoroughly mixed through the soil.

place, to the great detriment of the flavour and keeping qualities. The tops of these should be twisted off, not cut, and the roots left in the sun to dry for a,day or two. ;

In districts with a mild climate storing of these roots is not absolutely necessary, for all of them will keep during the-greater part of the winter in the ground without deterioration. There is, however,- a <Jecided advantage in lifting, the crops now, so that the ground may be dug over or trenched should such be considered necessary.