Ranunculus

One of my favorite blooms to grow in my cut flower garden is the ranunculus. They have such lovely paper petals and are available in assortment of colors - they're also a long lasting cut flower.

In growing zones 8-10 (San Fernando Valley) ranunculus are winter hardy and can be planted in the Fall for Spring flowers

They are pretty straightforward to grow and don't demand a huge amount of attention (which works for me!). 

I start by soaking the corms for a couple of hours before  planting them with their claws down. I plant mine 2" deep and close together for a full flower garden. 

I use drip irrigation when growing ranunculus which allows for good air circulation around the leaves and therefore preventing mildew.

Once they bloom the flowers can be cut and often have a vase life of at least seven days, if not longer.