When to plant Ranunculus in Felton, DE
Felton gardeners should plant Ranunculus between mid-spring and late spring in spring. With Felton's Zone 7b climate (last frost April 2), Ranunculus needs 120 days to mature — plant by July 7 for a full harvest. A second sowing from September 9 to September 23 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Ranunculus in Felton, DE
This month in Kent County, Delaware
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Kent County, Delaware this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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.
Felton, Delaware is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 2 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 216 days.
At an elevation of 128 feet, Kent County receives approximately 47.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Ranunculus during the growing season.
Felton Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.8
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 Felton
How your county's soil matches Ranunculus's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.8) overlaps with Ranunculus's range (6.0–6.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Kent County is excellent for Ranunculus — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). 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" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Kent 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 — Felton, DE
Ranunculus Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bloom | September 30 | Sep 30 – Oct 28 |
| Fall Sowing | September 9 | Sep 9 – Sep 23 |
Plant 2" deep · 6" apart · Rows 8" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–6.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
216 days in Kent County
Growing Tips for Ranunculus in Felton
Direct sow Ranunculus outdoors after April 02 in Kent 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 Felton, DE?
In Felton, DE, plant Ranunculus after the last frost (around April 2) and before the first frost (around November 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Felton, DE for Ranunculus?
Felton sits in USDA Zone 7b. Ranunculus grows reliably in zones 6a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Ranunculus grow in Felton's climate?
Yes — Ranunculus grows well in Felton's temperate climate. Felton averages a 216-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 2 and first frost around November 4.
Your Kent County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Kent 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.