Id-Code: AA 086
Family: Ranunculaceae
Origin: Central and South Europe
Special Features: Attractive yellow flowers held above deeply lobed foliage
Colour: Clear yellow
Natural Flowering Period: July - August
Winter Hardiness Zones: Z3-9
Growth Habit: Broad, upright, open habit
Foliage: Deeply cut, deep-green leaves
Height with Flowers: 120 cm (48'')
Spacing between Plants: 75 cm (30'')
Soil Requirements: Cool, moist, fertile soils, pH 5.8 - 6.8
Location: Part shade
Use: Woodland edge, dappled shade garden, planted with Astilbe arendsii-Hybr. 'Grande', Aquilegia Caerulea-Hybr. 'Koralle', and Astrantia Major-Hybr. 'Rosensinfonie'
Specialities: Use as a cut flower

Cultural Tips:
Grams per 1000 seeds: 3,125
Seeds per Gram: 320
Seeding Recommendation: 10 g / 1000 plants
Sowing Rate: 3-4 seeds per cell
Plug tray recommended size(s): 72s or deep open flats
Germination: The sowing must be kept warm (about +18 to 22°C) [about 64 to 72°F] and moist for the first 2-4 weeks. After this period the sowing must be kept at a cold temperature (between -4 and +4°C) [between 25 and 39°F] for another 4-6 weeks. It is not so important if the temperature is higher or lower during the cooling period, but the cooling period has to be prolonged because the synthesis of the germination inducer, hormonlike acid, slows down or comes to a standstill. It is beneficial to cover the sowing with snow during the cooling-period. The temperature below it usually keeps in the optimum range of -4 to 0°C [25 to 32°F]. The sowing is kept moist, and the melting snow helps to destroy the shell, which is advantageous for the germinating seedling. After this cooling-period the sowing may not be immediately exposed to high temperatures. The most effective temperatures are between +5 to 12°C [41 to 54°F], even if germination has started. The best location for this sowing, even in March, April and May, is the open field, the cold frame or a cold greenhouse.
Most species of the Ranunculus-family need lower temperatures during the cooling-period - about -5°C [23°F]. The reason is probably the freezing point of these seeds, which is at -7°C [19°F], while most other seeds freeze at -5 °C [23°F].

Scheduling:
Best Sowing Date: November-March
Sowing to Germination: 8 - 10 weeks
Germination to Transplant: 4 - 8 weeks
Transplanting to salable Plant: 6 - 10 weeks
Cutting-Back at Transplanting: Not necessary

Growing On:
Container Size(s): 1-2 plugs per 11/12 cm (4 1/2''); 2-3 plugs per 15 cm (6'')
Vernalization: There is no current research on vernalization but a prudent recommendation for any perennial would be 6-12 weeks (a few might need 15 weeks!) at an average daily temperature of 40°F (5°C). Exposure to cold may not be necessary for flowering but might improve quality.
Forcing: This species is not a suitable candidate for forcing.
Fertilization: Medium (150-200 ppm)