I planted 48 ranunculus tubers/bulbs in 6 packs (1 per cell) over this last weekend and now wondering if I should keep them inside until ready to plant, or leave them outside in the sun?

10 day forecast for my area shows range of 36-43 degrees F for lows and 53-65 for highs.

If I take them outside, should I place them in full sun until they show?

I also planted 20 freesia bulbs, 1 per 4 inch pot -- same questions about inside or out?

Hi Heidi and welcome to ATP!

Considering your zone, go on and put the freesia in the ground/outside - it's zone 8 hardy. They'll come up when it's safe. I've never grown Ranuncula before but they appear to be hardy to zone 4 so you can probably put those in the ground as well ... Really don't need the cell packs.

Someone else with more Ranuncula experience will chime in.

Thanks for your reply, Xeramtheum. I started them in pots because I still need to work on the garden space they will be going in and sometimes my schedule can get hectic for time outdoors, so... rather than missing out on the freesias and rananculus, I figured I would start them in starter pots, and plant them in the garden when I have it ready.

I'd just keep 'em cool, and in good light but water lightly until you're ready to transplant.

Welcome to ATP, btw.

Elaine

Good luck with those starts, Heidi, and to ATP. Hope you'll keep us posted on how those plants do. I love ranunculus, but haven't had much luck with them here.

Umm - can I ask a dumb question? I was told that one of my most stubborn weeds was a Ranunculus: Buttercup.

I guess most of the other 637 Ranunculses (Ranunculii?) aren't so invasive as to be considered weeds.

P.S.
"Buttercup" my patootie! What a cheerful name for a weed that's taking over all my beds and even the clay-and-rock pathways!

Woofie! I have been enjoying the forum!

I have decided to leave both the freesias and ranunculus outside in garden areas I plan to plant them in. I figure with the weather I've been getting here (highs in the low 60's and lows in the low 30's), seems pretty much what they would like anyways. Sure hope I made the right decision!

Hey Rick, sounds like you might have these: http://www.wcrc.govt.nz/Docume...

I wonder if pouring boiling water at their base would do them in?

Thanks, Heidi! I'm very bad at keeping up with weeds, but I never let mine go long enough that they get up to one meter tall!

I'm not sure about carrying big pots of boiling water around the garden. My legs are pretty unsteady and I could easily imagine tripping and taking a bath. But I COULD carry a coffeepot outside with almost-boiling water and test it on spots where they are hard to pull, like around stones and paving stones.

I've often thought of buying a "weed torch" , but I might be dangerous.

I remember seeing somewhere an electric gadget (I think it was battery powered) that was supposed to essentially electrocute weeds. Always kind of intrigued by that.

Here's a home-made version (check around 45 seconds to skip the intro):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?...

Electrocuting weeds: the OTHER Green Mile.

Good luck Rick! Heh, at this rate, you had better rig a garden warrior belt to hold the tea kettle, flame torch and electric zapper (and might as well include a thermos holder for your coffee/tea)!

Heidi, I'm starting to sound like the White Night in Alice In Wonderland.

Sort of like being a mobile hoarder. Unfortunately, being tool-happy and gadget-crazy, it's kind of accurate.