On 14 Feb 08, at 21:20, Roy Herold wrote: > Regarding Tecophilaea, ...following Rodger's directions planted > them in a sandy gritty mix. That's a very dangerous way to live. <g> Let me emphasize that it's *granite* grit or sand you want, for the potassium it slowly releases, per on-web comments from a grower in the Los Angeles area. Basalt, having the same chemical composition as granite, would do as well, ditto volcanic pumice. > One question: are they self fertile, or should I try to cross the > two? They're self-fertile if hand pollinated. I've read that the seeds are best germinated in a rather peaty mix (contrary to the preference of the mature bulbs), and that the seedlings are *very* slow to reach flowering size. Summer treatment, according to our own Alberto Castillo, bone dry but not baked like a tulip. Put the pot in the shade to keep it cool. -- Rodger Whitlock Victoria, British Columbia, Canada Maritime Zone 8, a cool Mediterranean climate on beautiful Vancouver Island