When to plant Ranunculus in Moultrie County County,
Plant Ranunculus in Moultrie County County during the brief April 14–April 28 window. With 186 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 17.
When to Plant Ranunculus in Moultrie County, IL
Your June game plan for Moultrie County, Illinois
June is a pivotal month for Moultrie County, Illinois gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Pick ranunculus
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
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.
Moultrie County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.
At an elevation of 596 feet, Moultrie County receives approximately 30 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Ranunculus to ensure they mature before fall.
Moultrie County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7.2
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 Moultrie County
How your county's soil matches Ranunculus's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–7.2) overlaps with Ranunculus's range (6.0–6.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Moultrie County is excellent for Ranunculus — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.2%) — Ranunculus will thrive.
How to Plant Ranunculus
Ranunculus Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Moultrie 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 — Moultrie County, IL
Ranunculus Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Bloom | May 26 | May 26 – Jun 23 |
Plant 2" deep · 6" apart · Rows 8" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–6.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
186 days in Moultrie County
Growing Tips for Ranunculus in Moultrie County
Direct sow Ranunculus outdoors after April 14 in Moultrie 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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Ranunculus in Moultrie County, IL?
Moultrie County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Ranunculus planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Moultrie County, IL?
Moultrie County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Ranunculus in Moultrie County County, ?
In Moultrie County County, , plant Ranunculus after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Moultrie County County, for Ranunculus?
Moultrie County County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Ranunculus grows reliably in zones 6a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Ranunculus grow in Moultrie County County's climate?
Yes — Ranunculus grows well in Moultrie County County's temperate climate. Moultrie County County averages a 186-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 17.
Your Moultrie County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Moultrie County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.