Dear friends; I have recently intensified my research into propagation of Lycoris by vegetative means. I have come across two studies that I would like to summarize since I found both very interesting: 'Propagation of Bulbous Ornamentals by simple culture of bulb scale segments using plastic vessels' by Y Yanagawa, Kyoto University Acta Horti. 673 ISHS 2005 The author used 26 species of Liliaceae and Amaryllidaceae, but I will relate only in regard to Lycoris. Single and twin scale segments were made of L. sprengeri and placed in either 1 gall Ziploc* bags or 4 cup Glad* disposable containers. They were filled with 800 ml(2 cups)(bags) or 350 ml (1 3/4 cup)(containers) of vermiculite and 80 ml ( 1/4 cup) of ionized water. Up to 50 segments were put in each container and these were sealed and stored at 25 C (78F) for 12 weeks in the dark. Findings: Larger segments produce more bulblets. But more and smaller bulbs resulted from single scales in total. Bulblets were produced only from near the basal plate section. Containers produced a higher percentage of bulbs than bags. Twin scale segments produced bulblets around 70%; single scale about 40% and without a basal plate none were produced. Please note conversions of volume and temp are approximate only. The second article 'Effect of different bulb sections on Lycoris bulblet multiplication by chipping' by Amico Roxas, et al (all Italian) Acta Hort517 ISHS 2000 The authors used 2 species of Lycoris and divided bulbs into 1/4, 1/8, 1/16 ths and planted in plastic boxes with 50% peat and 50% perlite. There are many detailed charts showing the rate of bulblet production, growth, root initiation and more. In summary they found that larger segments produced more and large bulblets (by weight and circumference. Mother bulbs when chipped produced from 5.2 to 7.2 bulblets in 6 months. Bulbs cut into 1/4 produced fewer bulbs than bulbs cut into 1/8, but they were larger and 'marketable' in 2 - 3 years. These bulblet production rates compared to that of Narcissus END I had until these article not seen confirmation that Lycoris responded to propagation by cutting into segments or bulb scales. Although the results are obvious, the details provide an easy method to follow. There are still questions such as when is the best time of the year to cut bulbs? Hope you find the info of interest. Jim W. * Glad and Ziploc are trademarks and used just for convenience. The articles contain far more detail especially in regard to use of fungicides and details of the method. These articles should be available at any large university library. -- Dr. James W. Waddick 8871 NW Brostrom Rd. Kansas City Missouri 64152-2711 USA Ph. 816-746-1949 Zone 5 Record low -23F Summer 100F +