PLANTING RANUNCULI

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXVI, Issue 79, 14 March 1936, Page 15

PLANTING RANUNCULI

Ranunculi bulbs are quite hardv and mav be planted anv time from March fill carlv June although the earlier they are planted the quicker they flower and more, growth they make he fore the colder months arrive. it should be noted that Itanunculiis is , i-i'V seldom siicc-bssi’iil the second year when m.rmes are left in the ground from the previous season. Tho bulbs . should always be lifted immediately

the foliage turns yellow, dried and stored until the next planting season. Varieties to plant: There are several types of Ranunculi and the choice of varieties lies between the Asiaticus, a mixture of double and semi-double flowers, all brilliant shades and hues; the Turban, a larger and coarser variety than the former but with a bigger percentage of double flowers. The Persian and French are neater and more perfect from the florists’ point of view although perhaps not so robust in growth as the Asiaticus. All varieties like a deep, cool, soil with plenty of rotted manure and leaf mould added. Plant the cormes two inches deep an u nine inches apart. Soaking the bulbs overnight is a good practice if the ground is inclined to be dry. Constant waterings should be applied during the warmer autumn months to help the growth along early. If artificial manure is being used, bonedust or slag are the best while the bulbs are dormant. Once they have started in growth quicker fertilisers may be applied if plants aro backward.