Height: 9–15in (23–38cm), depending on variety

Spread: 9in (23cm) when several bulbs are planted in a pot 7–9in (18–23cm) wide

Winter: See below

Summer: See below

Care: As soon as bulbs are available in late summer, select a pot 7–9in (18–23cm) wide. Fill the base with damp bulb-fiber or potting compost and place bulbs close together (but not touching) on top of it. Their noses should be below the surface of the potting mixture, which in turn is ½in (12mm) below the container’s rim. Pack compost around the bulbs, then water. Put the pot in a black plastic bag and place in a cool shed (37–41°F [3–5°C]). Some 14–16 weeks later (less for specially prepared bulbs), shoots will be about 2in (5cm) high. Remove the black bag and place the pot in 7–10°F (45–50°C). Later, when the foliage is 4in (10cm) high, increase the temperature to 64°F (18°C). Throughout, keep compost moist but not waterlogged.

Propagation: Buy fresh bulbs each year.