This is purely subjective -- not compiled from reference to my database, which needs updating desperately -- but here is what I would EXPECT of seed-grown bulbs. About 2/3 of the c. 1100 species I grow were grown from seed. Crocus - 3-4 years Fritillaria - 4-5 years Juno iris - 4-6 years Scilla - 3 years Ornithogalum - 3 years Brodiaea (sensu lato) - 3 yrs Allium - 3 yrs Calochortus - 5-8 yrs Alstroemeria - 3 yrs Colchicum - 5-7 yrs (smaller ones faster) Narcissus - 3-4 yrs Cyclamen - 2-3 yrs Leucojum - 3-4 yrs Muscari - 3-4 yrs Tulip - 5 yrs Obviously there are outliers especially on the long side of these estimates. Dutch growers are able to bring their bulbs to flowering faster than this through skill in managing fertilizers and temperature. Growing bulbs from seed is not a source of instant gratification, but I truly believe that one ends up with healthier stock, even if purchased bulbs are grown in the same collection. I routinely lose species tulips bought as bulbs, but those I've grown from wild-collected seed have done well for many years. I was also thrilled to see the healthiness of some Iris reticulata corms I grew from wild seed, which flowered for the first time this winter. I've purged all commercial Iris reticulata from the collection now owing to disease problems. Moreover, when you grow bulbs from seed, you usually end up with several clones, and even in self-fertile genera this can improve seed set. This has been especially evident in my fritillarias. Jane McGary NW Oregon