If you try soaking one in water overnight it will probably double or triple in size!

I'm actually wondering if I can make a bulk order now but save some for planting next year and the year after. They really do bulk up when you soak them! I want to buy the fancy italian ranunculus corms but the suppliers have minimum orders.

Ah, I understand. I think it would be risky to keep them too long. Most bulbs/corms/etc don't store well past the expected planting season. Some people have to wait until spring to plant Ranunculus so they MIGHT survive until next fall. On the other hand, in our climate if you plant them all this fall they theoretically should come back every year. I've had some come back but not 100%.

Indeed, I am experimenting with the idea of a small production planting of them but my growing area is not yet set up so I could not handle planting the full minimum supplier order I would receive. May just have to see about next year!

In general being bare and outside of the dirt, is a stressful time for most plants. I wouldn't count on much extra wiggle room than normally provided. Indeed, there are several "bulbs" (usually corms or tubers in actuality) that simply do not do well at all if bought in a dried state (snowdrop, cyclamen, eranthis to name just a few). Such are best bought from nurseries that specialize in them and ship them in moist media. I can't say ranunculus are like that...I dont' grow them...but the possibility exits.

Thanks, yes I was just wondering if maybe someone on Gardenweb had forgotten to plant some Ranunculus one year and tried 1-2 years later and had them grow fine.

I kicked myself as I paid extra for big fat claws and misplaced them. A year later they were worthless. Dry as dust inside.

Ack, speaking of kicking myself. I was pre-sprouting 180 ranunculus and some bird or other animal has come along and been eating them right out of the 6 packs. I had no idea they would be considered tasty and did not cover them with any barrier to keep animals out!

:(

I came across 10 packages of ranunculus corms From two years ago dried up and crumbling under slight pressure. I googled how long do they last and the consensus was not longer than a year. I soaked the first package and in less than an hour they were plump and even showed some fine root starts. Amazing they have been in my hot 100 degree shed for over two years Sure glad I didn’t throw them away Pray they grow