How to Care for Cut Ranunculus: Tips for Long-Lasting Blooms
Ranunculus are one of the most delicate and romantic spring flowers, known for their layered, rose-like petals and long vase life when properly cared for. At Green Willow Gardens, we love growing these beauties in our Michigan flower fields, and we want to help you enjoy them as long as possible after they leave our farm!
Here’s everything you need to know to keep your cut ranunculus looking fresh and beautiful for days.
Harvesting at the Right Stage
If you're growing your own ranunculus, harvest timing is key for the longest vase life.
Best time to harvest: When the flower is in the marshmallow stage—soft to the touch but not fully open. This ensures they continue to unfurl and last longer in a vase.
Avoid cutting too late: If the petals are already wide open, the blooms won’t last as long.
At Green Willow Gardens, we harvest ranunculus at the perfect stage, so they continue to bloom beautifully once they reach you!
Proper Hydration After Cutting
Ranunculus have hollow stems, which means they need a little extra care when hydrating.
Immediately place stems in cool, clean water after cutting.
Let them hydrate in a cool place for at least two hours before arranging.
Remove lower leaves to keep bacteria from forming in the water.
For best results, we always give our freshly cut ranunculus a long drink before they leave the farm!
Vase Water & Placement
A few simple tricks can extend the life of your ranunculus once they’re arranged in a vase.
Use clean, fresh water—change it every 1-2 days.
Trim stems every couple of days to improve water uptake.
Keep flowers away from direct sun, heat, and ripening fruit.
Ranunculus are hardy once conditioned, often lasting 7-10 days with proper care! Whether you’re enjoying a bouquet from our farm or growing your own, these delicate blooms are well worth the effort.
