allow them to turn brown, then just lift them out and store until you are ready to plant again. I just know off the soil and allow them to dry and "wait" on a cardboard flat of some sort in a closet or corner of the garage. You might use a paper bag after they've dried. They are really small and light therefore easy to forget about if I store them in a small bag...grins.

Whenever I've dug my ranunculus they've shriveled away to nothing. But they will rot if left in a bed that receives summer water. I'm going to try storing in a pot with porous soil and watering it every 3 months ~~ anyone had experience with desication and another solution?

Thanks for the advice. When I received my ranunculus in the mail they were completely dried out but apparently this is the normal way that they are shipped. I soaked them in water and they swelled up and then grew when I planted them so I guess they can stand quite a lot of dehydration. Perhaps trying to keep them moist during storage would confuse them during their dormancy...?

I read somewhere to place them in a wet paper towel then in a plastic bag in the refrigerator till they get roots and then plant. But I am confused now. When are they suppose to be planted ? Summer , Spring ? I am zone 7 and just got mine in the mail and have put them in the fridge.

Koozie --- we plant them after danger of frost. Which is almost nil here so that means Jan-Feb.
They are spring bloomers with Iceland poppies & daffodils.

I doubt if it is possible to 'over' dry Ranunculus bulbs. I have been able to separate the twisted bulbs when dry as there are usually two or three twisted together that are not actually attached to each other. Soaking before planting is always recommended. Al