Ranunculus are one of the most swoon-worthy flowers in the floral world. With their tightly layered petals and jewel-like colors, they look like something out of a painting. They're a top choice for weddings and special events, and with the right care, they'll reward you with a stunning display.

Like all of our flowers, ranunculus are not ready to display the moment they arrive. They can look really small when they first come out of the box, but once they start opening, you will see the vast difference. Give them time to hydrate and bloom and the transformation is truly remarkable!

What You'll Need

• A clean vase
• Fresh, cool water
• Floral preservative (recommended)
• Sharp scissors or floral shears

Step-by-Step Care Instructions

1. Unpack promptly. Remove your ranunculus from the packaging as soon as they arrive. They may look a little tired from the journey but will perk up quickly once they get water.
2. Trim the stems. Cut 1 to 2 inches off the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle. Ranunculus stems are soft and delicate, so use sharp scissors for a clean cut.
3. Use cool water with preservative. Fill your vase with cool, clean water and add floral preservative. This helps fuel the blooming process and keeps the water fresh longer.
4. Remove lower leaves. Strip any foliage that would sit below the waterline.
5. Remove excess laterals if needed. If your stems have a lot of smaller side buds (laterals) branching off, consider removing some of them. Too many laterals compete with the main bloom for energy and water, which can result in a smaller, weaker flower. Pinching off the extras lets the stem focus all its strength into producing one beautiful, full bloom.
6. Don't overcrowd the vase. Ranunculus need a little breathing room. Too many stems in one vase creates competition for water and causes the stems to weaken and hang over. Split large bunches between two vases if needed.
7. Change the water every 2 days. Re-trim the stems each time to keep them hydrated.
8. Keep them cool. Ranunculus love cool temperatures. Keep them away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and ripening fruit for the longest vase life.

Pro Tips

• They open beautifully over time: Ranunculus arrive fairly tight and open gradually into full, layered blooms. Give them a day or two and you'll see them transform into something truly spectacular. The difference between a closed bud and a fully open ranunculus is honestly breathtaking!
• Plan ahead for events: If you need them fully open for a wedding or event, unbox them 2 to 3 days before so they have time to bloom at their best.

Florist Secret

Ranunculus stems can be a little floppy when they first arrive, especially if they've been in transit. To help them stand up straight, wrap the entire bunch loosely in paper (like a cone) and place them upright in cool water for a few hours. This technique, called sleeving, helps the stems firm up and stand tall. It's the same trick florists use to condition ranunculus before arranging them!

For installations, boutonnieres, or any design where you need the bloom to stay in a precise position, try the floral wire trick. Insert a thin floral wire up through the bottom of the stem all the way into the base of the bloom. This gives the stem structure and support, so you can bend and position it exactly where you need it without it drooping.

How Long Will They Last?

With proper care, ranunculus typically last around 5 to 7 days in a vase. With extra attention to cool temperatures and fresh water, they may last even longer.