Hello Peter, A very concise and clear explanation. This also explains why in some cases typically mediterranean bulbs (such as Crocus) are grown in a cooler climat (per example UK or the Neherlands) produce a much better size because of the long springtime growing period. When here the leaves are drying off in April, in Holland the growth goes on until early June. Of course in the Dutch climat the growers have to make some artificial arrangements to obtain warm and dry summer conditions. Kind regards Lauw de Jager South of France http://www.bulbargence.com/ -----Original Message----- Temperate continental climate bulbs basically root following rain and/ or fluctuating temperatures before winter, they may then slow down, while frozen, untill thawing/ snowmelt/ spring time. They then go dormant for a (hot) dry period in summer which stimulates the setting of flowerbuds within the bulb. The cycle is started again by fluctuating / cooler night temperatures and water before winter. If they dont get enough cold in winter, the embryonic flowerbuds will not have time to develop before spring, and I would expect lots of leaf instead and aborted flowers. Alpine houses are often kept frost free in the uk, and this is fine for these bulbs. The winter cold dormancy after rooting and before top growth is enforced by giving only a very little water untill top growth is required. I expect that the biggest problems you might encounter in a hotter climate is that when the bulbs get warm they must be allowed to go dormant (and dry) or they will rot. This may be before they have finished a full seasons growth resulting in poor bulbs for the following year. I think keeping them cool to achieve a long spring growth period