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Western Buttercup Seeds

Ranunculus occidentalis

  • HOW TO GROW
  • FAST FACTS

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: Direct sow in late fall, planting just below the surface of the soil. For spring planting, mix the seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 60 days before planting. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination, which may be slow. The seeds can also be started indoors 8-10 weeks before planting in spring. Keep seedlings lightly moist, and transplant them as soon as they have developed several leaves.

Growing: Water seedlings regularly until they become established, and control weeds. Mature plants tolerate occasional drought, though they prefer moist or wetland soil and will benefit from watering in dry weather. This plant also grows well in rocky, sandy, or clay soil. It can spread by reseeding itself, though it does not become invasive. This plant also makes an excellent choice for rock gardens, and attracts bees.

Harvesting: These blossoms do not perform well as cut flowers, and are best enjoyed outdoors.

Seed Saving: After the flowers fade, the seeds will develop in a sharp cluster. Gather the seeds as soon as they begin to turn brown and loosen from the stem. Keep the seeds in a cool, dry place. Keep in mind that the viability of these seeds decreases with age, and fresh seeds have the best germination rates.

FAST FACTS

Latin Name: Ranunculus occidentalis

Species Origin: US Native Wildflower

Type: Native Wildflowers

Life Cycle: Perennial

USDA Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert

Seeds per Ounce: 16,375

Stratification: Warm/Wet for 4 Weeks, then Cold/Wet for 4 Weeks

Germination Ease: Stratify 8 Weeks

Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun

Height: 24 Inches

Color: Yellow

Bloom Season: Blooms Early Spring, Blooms Late Spring

Size Price Quantity
XL Mylar Packet (~600 Seeds) $3.48 Notify Me
1/4 Oz Mylar (7.09g) $7.96 Notify Me
1 Oz Mylar (~16,375 Seeds) $17.72 Notify Me
1/4 Lb Mylar (113g) $57.60 Notify Me
1 Lb Mylar (454g) $216.00 Notify Me
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DESCRIPTION

These cheery blossoms carry the news that spring has arrived to the residents of the Pacific Northwest. Like most Buttercups, it displays five shiny petals in each flower. This perennial can be grown in gardens everywhere that need a sign that spring is near.
The common name "buttercup" comes from a traditional legend that adding buttercups to a cow's diet gives its butter a golden color. Ironically, most buttercups actually contain a poison that eventually harms grazing animals such as cattle. The genus name "Ranunculus" comes from the Latin word for "little frog," since many types of buttercup flourish in marshy ground. The species name "occidentalis" means "western," indicating this plant's native region.

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: Direct sow in late fall, planting just below the surface of the soil. For spring planting, mix the seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 60 days before planting. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination, which may be slow. The seeds can also be started indoors 8-10 weeks before planting in spring. Keep seedlings lightly moist, and transplant them as soon as they have developed several leaves.

Growing: Water seedlings regularly until they become established, and control weeds. Mature plants tolerate occasional drought, though they prefer moist or wetland soil and will benefit from watering in dry weather. This plant also grows well in rocky, sandy, or clay soil. It can spread by reseeding itself, though it does not become invasive. This plant also makes an excellent choice for rock gardens, and attracts bees.

Harvesting: These blossoms do not perform well as cut flowers, and are best enjoyed outdoors.

Seed Saving: After the flowers fade, the seeds will develop in a sharp cluster. Gather the seeds as soon as they begin to turn brown and loosen from the stem. Keep the seeds in a cool, dry place. Keep in mind that the viability of these seeds decreases with age, and fresh seeds have the best germination rates.

FAST FACTS

Latin Name: Ranunculus occidentalis

Species Origin: US Native Wildflower

Type: Native Wildflowers

Life Cycle: Perennial

USDA Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert

Seeds per Ounce: 16,375

Stratification: Warm/Wet for 4 Weeks, then Cold/Wet for 4 Weeks

Germination Ease: Stratify 8 Weeks

Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun

Height: 24 Inches

Color: Yellow

Bloom Season: Blooms Early Spring, Blooms Late Spring