Propagation
Sow Fresh seed when ripe and place in a cold frame to germinate. Prick out when large enough to handle and then pot on or plant directly in situ during spring.

Divide bulbs during the dormant summer period and replant at 150 mm (6 in) deep and apart.


Botanic information
Leaf: The semi-fleshy twisted linear leaves are up to 600 mm (2 ft) long and by 25 mm (1 in) wide. They are strongly keeled on the underside and the apex is long acuminate. The sessile leaves are arranged in a whorl and die off during the summer dormant period.

Flower: The stellate flower have 6-sepals and 6-spreading narrow-lanceolate petals and 6- exserted stamens with yellowish anthers. They are arranged in a terminal raceme that is held high above the foliage of a slender scape that is up to 900 mm (22 in) tall, and appear during early spring. The flower colour varies from creamy white to violet purple.

Note
The perianth segments twist together after pollination is completed.

Fruit: The fruit is a 3-valved loculicidal capsule that contains numerous small seeds that are very viable but the plant may be reproduced vegetatively.

Note
The ovoid to globose bulbs may be eaten raw or cooked and was a staple food for the native North America's.