Propagation
Separate bulblets from old bulb and grow in nursery for 2 years. Lift bulbs after foliage has died, clean, store in cool position in dry peat moss, replant during autumn-winter.

In warmer climates bulbs are not successful in the 2nd season. Planting depth is 150 mm (6in).


Botanic information
Leaf: The broad linear to narrow lanceolate leaves have a thick texture and an acute apex with reddish margins. The upper surface folds inwards with a channelled appearance and the leaves tend to be twisted.

Flower: The flower buds nodding and the urceolate to stellate flowers have reddish-brown outer segments that open in full sun to golden yellow. The stamens are golden yellow and the filaments are hairy at the base. They are produced singularly or in pairs and asppear from late winter to early spring above the foliage on a slender scape.

Fruit: The small 3-valved capsule produces numerous seeds but the fruit is normally removed during cultivation. The small seeds are viable but the plant is commonly reproduced vegetatively, to maintain true to type.


Cut Flowers
When cutting flowers avoid removing to many blooms from the one bulb and minimal amounts of leaves. Use a sharp knife and remove flowers in early morning or late afternoon then stand in water outside before bringing indoors.

Planting Bulbs
Place bulbs on the garden bed and space equally allowing for foliage growth then plant from the middle at a depth twice the length of the bulb moisten and fertilise at this time. In warm regions place the bulbs in the crisper of a refrigerator for eight to 10 weeks before planting out. Plant the bulbs in two enriched well drained, deep moist soil with pH of 7- 7.5 in a sunny wind protected position.

Physical Problems
'Topple'
When the upper or lower part of the flower stem collapses due to weak water soaked areas that exudate liquid. This may occur at the neck of the bulb and the flower stem may topple with out any obvious symptoms.

There are many contributing factors that bring about this problem including insufficient ripening of the bulb after a cool moist summer or excessive temperatures, hot or cold.
Bulbs may also have retarded growth if they are stored in a warm place and if planted in heavy wet soils they rot.