Question: What can you tell me about Ranunculus? Can these be grown indoors in containers?

Answer: Ranunculus are members of the buttercup family, related to those favorite flowers found in overgrown fields. Though many related species are quite hardy, the ones you generally see for sale are "tender bulbs," meaning they cannot overwinter in the ground in cold areas. Ranunculus prefers cool temperatures, so it can be a challenge to grow them indoors. If you have a spot that would provide the proper environment -- nighttime temperatures in the 40s and 50s F, daytime temperatures of 60 to 65 degrees F -- you can always give it a try. The plants need bright light, but should be shielded from direct sun during the hottest part of the day.