Here are some ideas on cultivation - hope I'm not
repeating what others have contributed!

If possible, use a 20 cm clay pot (or add more holes
to a plastic pot) for up to six bulbs. Ensure good
drainage by first placing a few stones a the bottom,
then a layer of about 3 cm of peat or good compost.
Then fill the pot with a coarse growing medium,
containing grit or grainy sand. A ratio of one part
loam to three parts coarse sand/gritty mix should
do, with a bit more sand in the top four cm.

The bulbs can be planted with the necks about four
cm deep. Water the pot thoroughly towards the end of
March, and then at about two-week intervals
throughout autumn, winter and early spring. In areas
with dry winters, water about every ten days. Do not
let the pot be baked by the sun, keep the sides
shaded and cool, but the plants need a few hours of
morning sun or strong light each day. Towards the
end of September or early October the pot should be
allowed to dry out for summer dormancy. The bulbs
can be left in the pot in a dry and airy spot.

Some time during January, the flowers should appear,
flowering only for a few days. Mature bulbs that
have been lifted may be inclined to skip the first
season's flower. If the flowers have been pollinated
(you can transfer some pollen from one flower to
another), the aromatic fruits should appear out of
the bare ground some time in March-April. The leaves
follow thereafter.

The whole fruit can be put into 250 ml brandy and
left to draw for a few weeks, for the famous
"kukamakranka brandy" that cures all stomach
ailments! Or you can squeeze out the fresh pips from
one end of the berry fruit, then dry the skin for an
unusual bookmark The pips can be spread out on a
plate to dry for about two days, then sow (just
pressed lightly half into the soil) and water
regularly - water from below if possible. Dry the
seedlings off towards the end of November or early
December.

For the Northern Hemisphere, add on six months to be
in the right season!

Rhoda

Napier, Western Cape

where the weather is behaving like summer and we
desperately need the winter rains

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To Gethylis Starters; I would suggest planting them