My experience mirrors Marguerite's. I am in a maritime zone 9b but the same thing happens here. I lose more bulbs to dessication thru underwatering than to rot. If rot is consistently a problem, perhaps change your planting mix to one that does NOT hold water well. Cathy Craig San Clemente CA Zone 9b President Pacific Bulb Society > But a word of warning. My climate is similar to that in Riverside. That > dry summer will cause problems. I have killed bulbs by following the 'no > water' rule too seriously.