Paul Tyerman asked whether a short period of dormancy in a warm climate would help before shipping bulbs to a a different hemisphere. The principle of speeding-up the dormant period & physiological development of the new shoot by warming the bulbs is the basis of the trade's 'preparation' of bulbs for forcing for early flowers. So an accelerated dormancy might be an answer. Much also depends on the competence and growing conditions of the recipient. John Grimshaw Dr John M. Grimshaw Sycamore Cottage Colesbourne Nr Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL53 9NP Tel. 01242 870567 COLESBOURNE PARK OPEN DAYS 2007 Easter Monday 9 April, Arboretum Weekend 15-16 September Gates open 1pm, last entry 4 pm website: http://www.colesbournegardens.org.uk/