Hi Dennis, I have never try to grow Sparaxis in cold area, but I am very successful in southern california. I start with seeds around Nov. after the first rain, and seed germinated in 6 weeks, start early summer all the leaves drop and went to dormacy. They flower after 2 years. Here is website you can see my Sparaxis villosa. http://www.flickr.com/photos/54046291@N07/?saved=1 Andy ________________________________ From: Dennis Kramb <dkramb@badbear.com> To: Pacific Bulb Society <pbs@lists.ibiblio.org> Sent: Sun, December 26, 2010 2:47:53 PM Subject: [pbs] Mediterranean and South African irids How quickly do irids like Sparaxis and Romulea bloom from seed? Can they be treated as annuals? Or would it be necessary for me to overwinter them indoors here in Zone 5/6 in Ohio? Generally, is there a rule of thumb for such Mediterranean and South African irids? Dennis in snowy (again) Cincinnati