Best Ranunculus to Grow for Warm Climates

At Hedgehog Flower Farm, ranunculus has long been one of our favorite blooms. Their delicate, layered petals and vibrant colors make them a star in spring arrangements. But since we grow in Zone 9b, with mild winters and early heat, cultivating ranunculus takes some strategy.

Ranunculus are naturally cool-season flowers. They thrive in mild conditions and start struggling once daytime temperatures consistently exceed 70°F. Bud production slows, and when temperatures climb above 80°F, the plants typically go dormant. This makes timing crucial with most growers in warmer climates planting in fall or late winter to maximize on time before the heat sets in.

Thanks to breeders and passionate ranunculus enthusiasts, we now have access to varieties that are more tolerant of warm weather. These cultivars allow gardeners in hotter zones to extend their ranunculus season and enjoy blooms later than traditional varieties would allow. Even with these heat-tolerant options, cultural practices like providing shade during hot spells and planting in well-draining soil make a significant difference in prolonging the season.

Top Heat-Tolerant Ranunculus for Zones 8–10

For gardeners in warmer climates, the following three ranunculus series are our top picks for heat tolerance and reliable bloom performance:

1. Amandine Series

The Amandine series is a premium ranunculus variety bred specifically for heat tolerance, making it ideal for Zones 8–10. Known for long, sturdy stems, large fluffy double blooms, and uniform growth, Amandine is a professional-grade cut flower variety that performs well in both garden beds and floral arrangements.

Key benefits of Amandine:

  • Extended blooming window, thriving in both spring and fall plantings depending on your zone.
  • Strong stems and high petal count, making it a florist favorite.
  • Larger blooms and longer vase life than most ranunculus varieties.
  • Increased heat tolerance, allowing blooms to persist into warmer months.

At Hedgehog Flower Farm, Amandine varieties like Salmon, Porcelaine, and Black have given us bundles of fluffy, double blooms that close the season beautifully, even as temperatures rise.

2. Half Clone Series

The Half Clone series offers improved heat tolerance compared to traditional varieties like La Belle, though not as heat-tolerant as Amandine. These ranunculus combine the size and vigor of cloned varieties with the genetic diversity and hardiness of seed-grown types, resulting in stronger plants with better disease resistance and larger blooms.

Some of our favorite Half Clone varieties include Iceberg, Marshmallow, and Juliette, which have consistently rewarded us with abundant, beautiful blooms. They are an excellent choice for gardeners who want strong, resilient plants that perform well in warmer zones.

3. Tecolote Series

Bred in California, the Tecolote series is a ranunculus with better heat tolerance than many traditional varieties, making it well-suited for North American climates. A variety that delivers large, double blooms in an immense range of colors including reds, pinks, oranges, yellows, whites and bicolors.

While not ideal for very hot regions, Tecolote varieties like Salmon, Pastel Mix, and Rose have performed reliably when carefully managed, offering vibrant color and a peony-style look for warm-climate gardens as we've seen here at the farm. 

Tips for Growing Ranunculus in Warm Climates

  • Shade and Soil: Provide partial shade during the hottest part of the day and ensure well-draining soil to prevent corm rot.
  • Timing: Plant in fall or late winter to maximize the cool-season window.
  • Harvesting Regularly: Stay on top of cutting your ranunculus down when the flower buds squishes like a marshmallow giving you a beautiful bloom to bring inside and creating opportunity for more to come.
  • End-of-Season Care: When temperatures rise and the plants go dormant, you can either dig up corms and store them over the summer for fall planting or leave them depending on your preferences.

Final Thoughts

Growing ranunculus in warm climates is possible with careful variety selection and cultural practices. The Amandine series is the standout for heat tolerance, followed by the Half Clone and Tecolote series. With proper planning, shade, and soil care, even gardeners in Zones 8–10 can enjoy the lush, layered blooms of the cool flower ranunculus well into the season.

At Hedgehog Flower Farm, we’re continually amazed at how these heat-tolerant varieties allow us to extend our ranunculus season. With the right varieties and care, these beloved flowers can flourish even in warmer climates, bringing beauty and joy to gardens and arrangements alike.

Be sure to check out some of our bundles that we offer that include ranunculus where you can grow what seems like an endless supply of blooms! 

Garden Classics Bundle with four types of ranunculus!
Weird and Wonderful Bundle has a unique selection of three ranunculus types!
Best Sellers Bundle offers the most sought after varieties including two types of ranunculus!

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