St. Anthony's Turnip
ranunculus bulbosus
Also known as: ["Bulbous Buttercup","St. Anthony's Root"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant with yellow flowers and bulbous roots, native to Europe.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ranunculales |
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus: | Ranunculus |
| Botanical Name: | Ranunculus bulbosus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a location with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with excellent drainage; can tolerate sandy or clay soils if amended properly.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed throughout the growing season; remove spent flowers after blooming to encourage reblooming.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; avoid heavy cuts as Ranunculus benefits from full foliage for photosynthesis.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade in hot climates to prevent scorching.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade; protect from intense midday sun in hot regions; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal growth.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plants weekly for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid placing in drafty areas.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with added organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Test soil pH annually; amend heavy clay with sand or grit; avoid compacting soil around roots.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates frost but may go dormant in extreme heat.
Protect from frost if grown in containers; avoid placing near heat sources; adjust watering based on temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; stop feeding in late summer to prepare for dormancy; use a low-nitrogen formula to avoid excessive foliage growth.
Propagation
Methods
Division of tubers or rhizomes; stem cuttings can also be used but are less common.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide tubers carefully, ensuring each section has buds.
- Plant cuttings in moist medium, keeping them warm and humid.
- Wait for roots to develop before transplanting.
Best Time: Early spring before active growth begins or after flowering when the plant is still vigorous.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), humid environment with bright indirect light; protect from direct sun and drafts.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand; can also be propagated directly in the garden bed.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but can improve success rates, especially for stem cuttings.
Timeline
Tubers may produce new growth within 2–4 weeks; stem cuttings typically root in 4–6 weeks and establish in 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or shears, rooting hormone (optional), pots or trays, well-draining medium, plastic wrap or propagator.
Quick Tips
Divide tubers when the plant is dormant; use sterile tools to prevent disease; maintain consistent moisture for cuttings.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip dead or yellowing leaves at the base; deadhead flowers by cutting just above a leaf node.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning required; focus on removing dead or damaged foliage to improve air circulation and aesthetics.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruners; gloves to protect hands from irritants.
Checklist
Remove only dead or damaged parts; sterilize tools before and after use; avoid pruning in winter if the plant is dormant.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth emerges; avoid repotting during dormancy.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) in diameter; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant, trim any dead roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, and water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for rejuvenating soil and encouraging growth.
Checklist
Choose a pot with drainage; use fresh, well-draining soil; water after repotting; avoid fertilizing for 4–6 weeks.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water until it drains from the bottom but avoid waterlogging; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7–10 days during active growth; reduce frequency in winter to every 3–4 weeks to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; ensure soil is loose and friable.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or wilting in excessive heat; stunted growth or leaf drop in prolonged cold; early dormancy in extreme temperatures.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and may cause root damage if soil freezes; plants may enter dormancy to conserve energy.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base to insulate roots; move potted plants to a sheltered location; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can scorch leaves, cause bud drop, and force early dormancy; roots may suffer from heat stress if soil dries too quickly.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use reflective mulch to keep roots cool; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season only; avoid contact with roots; rinse tools after use.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth; avoid fertilizing in winter or dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicSimilar to dogs, cats are susceptible to the toxic effects of protoanemonin in Ranunculus bulbosus. The plant can cause severe irritation if ingested.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicProtoanemonin released from Ranunculus bulbosus can cause significant irritation to a dog's gastrointestinal tract and skin. The plant is not typically palatable, but accidental ingestion can occur.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicRanunculus bulbosus contains ranunculin, which upon enzymatic breakdown releases protoanemonin, a toxic irritant. Ingestion can cause severe gastrointestinal and dermal irritation.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Ranunculus bulbosus toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to both dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How should Ranunculus bulbosus be cared for?
A: It requires moderate care, including well-drained soil and partial sunlight.
Q: Does Ranunculus bulbosus attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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