Hi Mary-Sue, How difficult is it to grow from seed? I > understand Colchicum can be a bit of a challenge to germinate without fresh > seed. Is this true of Merendera too? Any tips for any of us who might see > some in a seed exchange and decide to try? I have grown one Merendera and a number of Colchicum from seed exchange seed, without any special treatment. I treat just about all seed the same way (but not fleshy amaryllids) - put in the potting mix I am using at the time, lightly cover with compost, then cover with 5-10mm of 3-5mm blue metal chips. I then water once then allow natural rainfall to do the rest, keeping them in a semi- shaded situation to prevent too much drying out. I now must add that I havent had any germination of the 5 Colchicum species I sowed in autumn of 2000 and 2001 - but that happens to me from time to time with most genera - whether from seed exchanges or professional seed dealers. Cheers , Rob