Ranunculus??

Hi...I got a pkg. of ranunculus bulbs/tubers and was wondering if they're suppose to look this wierd? Look like a small dried up seed head....should I soak them before planting them? Got a deal though...said the pkg. had 12 in it and there was actually 42!!

I wonder what this Ranunculus thinks of us????

Yes, it is best to soak them for a couple of hours before planting.

42 instead of 12??? Any broken off pieces will not grow, it needs to have a crown with 'fingers'.

Yeah, I'm sure I look like a dried up old seed head some days also! All 42 had the crown with fingers...no broken pieces. I'm trying a suggestion I found somewhere...wrapped them in a wet/damp paper towel inside a sealed plastic bag and put them in the fridge till they start to sprout....does that sound OK to do?

I would not do more than half of them. I've never heard of it.

The other half I would keep where you have them now until it is time to plant outside.

I never put all my ranunculus in one bag.

bleek...we always put all our eggs in one basket here!!! The summer's toooooo short to do otherwise. Where is lawrenceville? I have a brother in Darien.

A suburb of Atlanta on the East side. I rather live where your brother lives.

Ranunculus don't need chilling to bloom. Sunset Garden Guide suggests watering thoroughly when first planting then withhold water until leaves emerge. Birds are fond of ranunculus shoots so protect them with netting or wire during the early stages. Once they're 4-6" tall they're too mature to appeal to aviarian tastes.

Thanks jkom51...for the info....I'll keep an eye those birds.