Do you think that it could just need more time (if the weather hasn’t hurt it, I mean)? I’m an avid vegetable gardener, but am new to flowers.

It's too hot for them to sprout. They grow during cool weather and should be planted in the fall where you live.

https://www.longfield-gardens.com/article/All-About-Ranunculus

I figure as much. So I suppose the forms I have planted are a waste?

They might just lie dormant until it's cool enough to start growing. Hopefully they won't rot in the pots. I would not water and wait until fall to check for growth before watering again.

Sounds like a plan. However, I fear I may have gotten them rotted out - I checked one the other day and it was very slimy.