Meadow Buttercup Seeds - Ranunculus Acris
Elevate your wildlife garden with our Meadow Buttercup Seeds (Ranunculus acris), a native UK wildflower featured on the RHS Plants for Pollinators list. Blooming with golden buttercup flowers from May to August, these hardy perennials attract bees and butterflies, providing a crucial early nectar source for British pollinators. Thrive in moist soils, perfect for creating a biodiverse haven. At Bee Kind Botanicals, we’re committed to growing diversity, one seed at a time. Order online today to support and nurture local pollinator populations.
Information & Growing Guide
Ranunculus Acris Seeds - Meadow Buttercup | Premium Native UK Wildflower
Transform your garden with Ranunculus acris (Meadow Buttercup), a stunning native UK wildflower officially featured on the RHS Plants for Pollinators list. These premium seeds produce brilliant golden-yellow flowers that provide essential early-season nectar for British wildlife.
Key Features & Specifications
Scientific Name: Ranunculus acris
Common Names: Meadow Buttercup, Tall Buttercup, Common Buttercup
Height: 30-100cm with ungrooved flowing stems
Flowering Period: May-August
Hardiness: Fully hardy perennial, thrives throughout UK Flower
Description: Glossy yellow flowers 25mm across with five overlapping petals
Historical Significance & Traditional Uses The genus name Ranunculus derives from the Latin 'rana' meaning frog, reflecting the plant's preference for moist habitats. Historically, buttercups held significant cultural importance in British folklore, often used in children's games to test if someone "likes butter" by holding the flower under the chin. Traditional herbalists valued Ranunculus species for various applications, though modern safety guidelines advise against medicinal use due to the plant's natural toxicity when fresh.
Wildlife & Pollinator Benefits As an RHS Plants for Pollinators species, Meadow Buttercup supports crucial British wildlife:
Primary Pollinators: Bees, flies, beetles, and butterflies (Lepidoptera)
Early Season Nectar: Vital food source during May-August flowering period
Native Ecosystem: Supports indigenous insect populations and food webs
Garden Biodiversity: Attracts beneficial insects including hoverflies and small bees
Seed Production: Provides autumn food source for finches and other seed-eating birds
UK-Specific Growing Guide
Critical Germination Requirements
Temperature: Maintain 15°C for optimal germination success
Timing: Best sown September for spring germination (fresh seed germinates following spring)
Seed Age Factor: Fresh seed germinates readily; older seed may require 1-2 years for germination
Pre-treatment: No scarification needed, but stratification improves germination rates
Step-by-Step UK Growing Method
Seed Sowing (September-October) Use individual cell trays or small pots with quality multipurpose compost. Sow seeds 1/16 inch deep - very shallow sowing essential. Lightly tamp soil and apply thin compost covering. Maintain consistent moisture throughout winter months Keep at 15°C in heated greenhouse or cold frame
Germination Process Germination typically occurs following spring (March-May). Maintain soil moisture but avoid waterlogging. Expect irregular germination - some seeds may delay until second year. Pot on when seedlings develop four true leaves
Site Preparation & Planting
Site Selection: Prefers moist, fertile soils in full sun to partial shade
Soil Types: Adaptable to sandy, loamy, and clay soils pH
Requirements: Tolerates mildly acidic to mildly alkaline conditions
Moisture: Prefers consistently moist to wet soil conditions
Spacing: Plant 20-30cm apart for natural meadow effect
UK Climate Considerations
Transplant Time: Late spring after last frost risk passes
Regional Adaptation: Suitable for all UK climate zones
Seasonal Care: Minimal maintenance once established Winter
Hardiness: Completely frost tolerant throughout Britain
Professional Growing Tips
Companion Planting: Excellent with native grasses, wild carrot, and ox-eye daisy
Naturalising: Perfect for wildflower meadows and informal garden areas
Propagation: Self-seeds readily in suitable conditions
Management: Allow some flowers to set seed for natural regeneration
Cutting: Deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming period
Garden Applications
Wildlife Gardens: Essential component of pollinator-friendly plantings
Meadow Gardens: Ideal for naturalised grassland areas
Pond Margins: Thrives in moist conditions around water features
Cottage Gardens: Authentic addition to traditional British garden styles
Cut Flowers: Bright blooms excellent for informal arrangements
Environmental Benefits
Carbon Sequestration: Perennial root system stores carbon in soil
Soil Improvement: Deep roots help improve soil structure
Natural Pest Control: Attracts beneficial predatory insects
Biodiversity Support: Part of complex native ecosystem relationships
Package Information
Seed Origin: UK-native provenance for climate adaptation
Germination Rate: High with proper temperature and moisture
Shelf Life: 2-3 years when stored in a cool and dry place
Naturally grown without chemical treatments
Perfect for gardeners seeking authentic native wildflowers that support British wildlife while creating stunning natural displays.
These RHS-endorsed Meadow Buttercup seeds offer proven pollinator value combined with the beauty of traditional British meadows.
Sowing Season: September-October optimal
Germination: Following spring (March-May)
Flowering: May-August continuous display
Order your premium Ranunculus acris seeds today and establish this valuable native wildflower that combines ecological benefits with natural garden beauty.