Propagation
Sow fresh seed during autumn and place in a cold frame until germination occurs. (seed is rarely used)

Division of the clump during late summer. Collect bulbils and sow during late summer. The bulbs should be planted deeply in the soil with 100 mm (4in) of soil on top and space 300mm (12 in) apart.

Note:
During the dormancy period watering should cease and the bulbs should be mulched to avoid drying out or suffering cold damage.

Botanic information
Leaf: The sessile lanceolate leaves have a long accumulate apex and are glossy mid-green on the upper surface and dull green beneath. The texture is leathery and the margins tend to fold upwards.

Flower: The pendant campanulate flowers have a curved pedestal and are arranged in a whorl at the apex of a long scape that is up to 1 m (3 ft) tall and crowned with a tuft of leaf-like bracts. Each flower has oblong pointed tepals that are red or yellow with a central cluster of long stamens and an exserted style. They appear from mid to late spring and there are many cultivars available.

Fruit: The small loculicidal capsule has 3-valves and contains numerous flat winged seeds that are viable but the plant is commonly reproduced vegetatively.


Culture
Plant-out the bulbs sideways 200 mm (7ľ) apart and up to 200 mm (7ľ)deep in a layer of sand to ensure good drainage. It is important to plant them in a protected position and maintain a cool soil temperature as excessive heat will result in poorer flowering.

When dormant do not water them at all or alternatively the bulbs may be lifted and stored in a cool dry dark place until new root growth appears, then plant out and water regularly as the new growth emerges. Take care when handling the bulbs are fragile and are easily damaged.