The Only Type Of Bulbs You Should Soak Before Planting (& Why It Matters)

Planting flower bulbs at the right time of year using the best methods for the specific flowers can help ensure that you have a rainbow of color blooming in your garden. One common question is whether to soak bulbs before planting them or just to put them directly in the soil. Although the majority of bulbs shouldn't be soaked in water before planting, a few of them benefit from a soaking prior to burying them in your garden. Two flower bulbs that should be soaked before planting are anemones and ranunculus.

Anemones and ranunculus are among the stunning spring flowers Joanna Gaines grows in her garden every year. When selecting flowers for your garden, it is important to choose blooms that grow well in your climate and plant them in the best way to ensure healthy growth. Soaking ranunculus and anemone bulbs in water will cause the bulbs to swell and helps to break their dormancy. This encourages them to root faster when planted, which results in healthier growth. 

Anemones are also known as wind flowers. They are native to North America, Europe, Asia, and the Mediterranean. These pretty plants are relatively easy to grow and the many different types of anemone flowers can provide gorgeous blooms in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. Depending on the varieties you choose, the flowers grow to heights of between 6 inches and 4 feet. Include a few different varieties to enjoy colorful blooms in your garden throughout spring, summer, and into fall.

Anemone flowers grow well in zones 4 through 9, but this can vary by species. Similarly, the ideal time to plant depends on the variety. The bulbs of spring blooming flowers should be planted in fall, while summer flowering anemones should be planted in early spring.

These flowers grow from a type of bulb called a corm. The corm has a hard outer shell that can be softened by soaking it in water for a few hours. To do this, place the bulbs in a bucket, or similar container, filled with lukewarm water for 2-3 hours just before you want to plant them. Plant the bulbs 4 to 6 inches apart and about an inch or two below the surface of the soil. Water lightly once planted, as too much water can cause the bulbs to rot. 

Ranunculus are stunning spring blooming flowers that are available in a range of beautiful colors. While these flowers are not quite as easy to grow as anemones, your effort will be rewarded with a rainbow of color in the garden. These blooms are popular for wedding bouquets and look gorgeous in floral arrangements.

Ranunculus flowers are cool climate plants that do not tolerate excessive heat. The best time to plant ranunculus bulbs for beautiful blooms depends on where you live. Warmer zones have shorter blooming times than cooler areas of the country. The flowers can be planted in zones 4 through 10. In zones 8 through 10, they should be planted in fall or late winter for spring blooms, but gardeners in zones 4 through 7 should plant their bulbs in late spring after the last frost, for blooms in the late summer.

The ranunculus corms should be soaked and pre-sprouted before planting to break their dormancy. Soak the corms in room temperature water for up to four hours. The water should be changed every hour during this time. After soaking, you can pre-sprout the coms in 1 to 2 inches of growing mix, but make sure the soil is just lightly moistened to prevent rotting. Keep these in a dark room that isn't heated, and check regularly to ensure the soil is moist but not wet. In about two weeks, you will see roots beginning to develop and the plants are ready for the garden. They should be planted 9 inches apart and about 2 inches deep in a spot where they will get plenty of sun.