Adored by florists and gardeners, Ranunculus asiaticus (Persian Buttercups) is a tuberous-rooted plant boasting brilliantly colored flowers adorned with multiple layers of delicate, crepe paper-thin petals. Native to the Eastern Mediterranean region in southwestern Asia and southwestern Europe (Crete, Karpathos and Rhodos) and northeastern Africa, Persian Buttercups produce masses of very long-lasting, single, double or frilled blossoms in a rainbow of gorgeous colors.

• Borne atop sturdy stems above a lush foliage mound of finely-cut, fernlike leaves, they bloom for about 6 weeks in early-mid summer in cold climates (planted in spring), or in early-mid spring in mild climates (planted in fall).
• Persian Buttercups grow up 10-24 in. tall (25-60 cm), depending on varieties. Popular hybrid strains are 'Aviv' (grows 12-16 in. / 25-30 cm tall), 'Tecolote' (14-16 in. / 35-40 cm tall, with 3-6" / 7-15 cm large flowers) and 'Tomer' (10-12 in. / 25-30 cm tall). Any one of them will look great any place in your garden.

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• Persian Buttercups are cool-season flowers. They perform best where winters are relatively mild and springs are long and cool. They like cool nights and a sunny location, but not hot days. They are winter hardy in growing zones 8-11, where they should be planted in fall for spring flowers. In zones 4-7, they are usually treated as annuals and the corms are planted in spring for summer blooms.
• Whether treated as perennials or annuals, Persian Buttercups add brilliance to the garden and make magnificent bouquets with a vase life of 7 days.
• Persian Buttercups are perfect for beds and borders, containers and are an absolute must for the cutting garden.

  'Tomer Red'

  'Cloni Success Hanoi'

  'Delano Yellow'

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• If you wish to use the blooms for cut flowers, you should cut the flower stems at a slant when the blooms are in the bud stage for best results. By keeping this in mind, your cut flowers will last longer.
• Persian Buttercups grow from bulbs, more correctly corms, that have claws on the bottom. The corm size predicts the number of flowers. A jumbo bulb will produce up to 35 flowers while a number 1 bulb will produce up to 20 flowers, a number 2 bulb will produce up to 12 flowers and a number 3 bulb will produce up to 7 flowers.
• It is advisable to soak the corms for an hour before you plant them, or water well when planting. Plant the corms 2 in. deep (5 cm) and 4-6 in. apart (10-15 cm) with the claw side down. Space jumbos 8-12 in. apart (20-30 cm).

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• Persian Buttercups thrive in medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. The soil is best if sandy and slightly acidic. Good drainage is absolutely essential for success.
• Persian Buttercups benefit from regular watering and bi-weekly applications of a water-soluble fertilizer. Mulch around the plants to help keep the soil cool and moist at the root level.
• Deadhead spent flowers to promote new blooms.