
RANUNCULUS 
Seed... Seed can be sown from August to 
November in a mixture of light sandy loam. 
Cover the seed very lightly and keep moist 
and heavily shaded. When germination takes 
place, in from 30 to 60 days, give more light 
but protect from direct sunshine. Transplant 
when the second leaves are developed, either 
into flats, or if large enough, directly into 
open ground. Plant bulbs 6” apart, 1” below 
the surface. 
Location... Eastern exposure, with pos- 
sible protection against hot afternoon sun, is 
best. 
Soil . . . A rich, sandy loam, with perfect 
drainage. 
Feeding ... Plant 4 to 6 inches apart and 
in one month, when plants are established, 
start feeding with quick-acting fertilizers— 
such as ammonium phosphate or fish meal. 
Rather small applications at intervals of a 
few weeks, instead of all at one time, are best. 
Growing . . . Keep constantly moist, as 
they dislike drying out. After flowering, grad- 
ually withhold water and let the plants dry 
up. Dig and store the tubers in a cool, dry 
place. According to the time that flowers are 
wanted, plant tubers in October for January- 
February bloom; November-December for 
March-April flowering. In localities with se- 
vere winters, growing from seed is not prac- 
ticable, as the young seedlings would freeze 
outdoors. Tubers stored in a cool, dry place 
can be planted very early in spring and bring 
satisfactory blooms in early summer. The 
cardinal points in cultivation are perfectly 
drained soil, constant moisture during growth, 
and protection from too-strong sunlight. Ra- 
nunculus are gross feeders, and to develop 
strong show plants one should avoid manures 
which help in keeping high moisture content 
in the soil, especially during rainy weather. 
They respond better to artificial feeding, as 
described above. 
Pests ... Birds like the young growth as 
it appears on the surface and it is advisable 
to protect the plants during the young stage 
with wire netting. 
29 
ANEMONES 
Seed .. . Seed can be sown practically any 
time of the year in regions with mild winters, 
the sowing time being determined by the 
blooming season desired. Sow in a mixture 
of sandy leaf mold. Transplant when the sec- 
ond leaf develops, either in flats or in open 
ground. Use a light mixture of soil. Plant 
bulbs 6” apart, 1” below the surface. 
Location... Plants should have sufficient 
light, but never direct sunshine, for best re- 
sults. The north side of the house is ideal. 
Soil . . . Soil can be enriched heavily with 
well-rotted manure, as the plants can stand 
considerable moisture. 
Growing ... After flowering, gradual dry- 
ing-off will ripen the tubers, which can be 
dug when all growth is withered. Stored in a 
cool, dry place, they will live for two years 
and can be planted when one wishes to have 
them in flower. The approximate time be- 
tween planting and flowering is four months. 
In regions with severe winters, only spring 
planting is practicable or if planted in autumn 
they must be heavily covered to protect them 
from freezing. The natural flowering season is 
very early spring but in mild climates they 
can be had in bloom from November to the 
end of May. Anemones would not be practical 
to plant for summer flowering, as they dislike 
hot weather and the flowers would not develop 
properly. 
Pests ... Birds are again the most serious 
pest, eating young foliage. Wire netting will 
satisfactorily protect the young plants. 






We have tried to make our growing 
suggestions as complete as possible. 
To follow them exactly is not enough. 
Certain amount of knowledge must be 
gained by actual experience, and the 
use of common sense. 
