When to plant Ranunculus in Compton, AR
Compton's spring Ranunculus window runs mid-spring through late spring. most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. A second sowing from August 27 to September 10 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Ranunculus in Compton, AR
August in the garden — Newton County, Arkansas
August is a pivotal month for Newton County, Arkansas gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
-
Sow ranunculus for an autumn harvest
Your first frost is about 11 weeks away — plenty of time for these to mature.
Persian ranunculus (Ranunculus asiaticus) produces multi-petaled blooms that rival roses in intricacy and lushness, in a warm palette of reds, oranges, yellows, pinks, and whites. A cornerstone of the specialty cut flower industry, ranunculus produces long, strong stems ideal for bouquets and arrangements. As a cool-season corm, it performs best in the mild shoulder seasons — planted in fall in warm-winter zones, or in early spring where summers arrive quickly. The 'Elegance', 'Amandine', and 'Tecolote' strains are favorites for both home gardens and commercial growers.
Compton, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.
At an elevation of 881 feet, Newton County receives approximately 48.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Ranunculus during the growing season.
Compton Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Ranunculus Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Compton
How your county's soil matches Ranunculus's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.8) overlaps with Ranunculus's range (6.0–6.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Newton County is excellent for Ranunculus — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Ranunculus.
How to Plant Ranunculus
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Ranunculus Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Ranunculus
Ranunculus needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Ranunculus Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Newton County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Ranunculus Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Ranunculus Planting Timeline — Compton, AR
Ranunculus Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bloom | September 17 | Sep 17 – Oct 15 |
| Fall Sowing | August 27 | Aug 27 – Sep 10 |
Plant 2" deep · 6" apart · Rows 8" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–6.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
192 days in Newton County
Growing Tips for Ranunculus in Compton
Direct sow Ranunculus outdoors after April 13 in Newton County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
Pre-soak corms (which look like small octopus tentacles) in cool water for 2–4 hours before planting; do not over-soak. Plant with tentacles pointing downward, 1–2 inches deep and 6 inches apart. Ranunculus demand excellent drainage — they rot in soggy soil. In fall-planting zones (7+), plant October–November and allow to root through mild winter; blooms arrive in March–May. In zones 6, start corms indoors in late winter and transplant out after last frost for a late-spring bloom. Keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged during growth. After foliage yellows (post-bloom), stop watering, let corms dry, lift them, and store in a cool dry place until replanting. In zones 8b–10b, corms can often be left in ground year-round.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Ranunculus in Other Locations
When should I plant Ranunculus in Compton, AR?
In Compton, AR, plant Ranunculus after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Compton, AR for Ranunculus?
Compton sits in USDA Zone 7b. Ranunculus grows reliably in zones 6a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Ranunculus grow in Compton's climate?
Yes — Ranunculus grows well in Compton's temperate climate. Compton averages a 192-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 22.
Your Newton County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Newton County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.