Ranunculus

I planted some Ranunculus bulbs in a pot a few weeks ago.
The instructions said plant them in damp compost and don't water them again until the plants appear.
The pot is living outside so I put a loose lid over it to keep the rain off.
I didn't expect to see the shoots until the spring but I've just had a peep and they're up about 3" and just looking like plants which have been growing in the dark

Should they be up now :cnfs:
Will they get through the winter ?
Should I put them in the cold frame when the weather gets colder ?
Any ideas ?

 

Thank you Marley Farley. I've been freaking too.
Ranunculus are all new to me.