Hi, I've never grown Ranunculus, but what you suggest seems very sound and logical. The seasons and plants are doing odd things right now. Usually by now, my Arum (Calla) lilies (both grown in pots and in the soil), have died down ready to have the posts moved into the greenhouse and the garden ones protected with fleece till spring. Right now they are green with no sign of fading off. Oh well at least the frost will be good for the sprouts and parsnips.