Planting Anemones and Ranunculus

[ideasguy]

I bought some packets of Anemone bulbs and I'm not sure how they should be planted 

Some varieties are rounded.

However one packet is full of what looks like hard coated little dead crabs.
The instructions on packet says plant them pointed side up.
Some have a single "point" emerging from what I would expect to be where growth would come from, the other side has a number of stiff "crab like claws"
So, I did what is wisest for a man when in doubt - I asked my wife 

Q: Pointed side up. Which side is the pointed side.
Answer: The claws.
I have to say I agree, but I think they should be planted down.

So, over to the panel of experts.
Claws up, or claws down?

I dont have the packet here, but I'll give the exact details later this evening.

[NightHawk]

Can't help you on this particular problem George. 

The only Anemones Kathy has planted are ones that look like dried raisins, and had to be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting.

Laurie.

[ideasguy]

Yes, the others look like those dried raisins.
Not sure how to plant those either!
That was to be my next question!

[NightHawk]

Kathy found that once they had soaked overnight it then became more obvious which was the right way up - pointy bit upwards.

She then planted them as for any normal bulb - to a depth of no more than 3 times the length of the bulb.

Kathy offers a further tip - make sure you mark where you've planted them because if you don't, and you forget, they'll come up all over the place and surprise you. 

Laurie.

[ideasguy]

Thanks for the tips Laurie and Kathy.

I have to say, the Anemones are a very interesting Genus, and I love them all!

[Palustris]

If in doubt,  plant them on their sides! I do that with a lot of bulbs, especially Arisaemas.

[ideasguy]

Thanks Eric. Ive had to do that before!

Ive just lifted the box with the bulbs tht look like wizened crabs as described above.
Guess what? They are Ranunculus   
Rather than upset the replies to my original question, Ive modified the Topic subject to Anemones AND Ranunculus   

So start again folk. Any tips on what way up for the Ranunculus?
Claws up, or claws down.

[ideasguy]

And the answer is:
Claws down
I planted them in pots and when they started to sprout I took this photo:
(The one on the right hasnt started to spout yet, but it looks like it will)



The claws were hard and dried up looking when I planted them. Now they have expanded with the moisture. The claws must be something similar in purpose to Dahlia tubers. What do you think?