>Might something as simple as pH or readily available calcium be the answer >to the culture of this plant? I put that hypothesis to the test last fall >with a few bulbs of both Fritillaria imperialis and F. persica (and also F. pallidiflora, Dear Jim Mc, I grow the "Frits" persica and pallidiflora - maybe not great - but they multiply and bloom. My soil pH varies around the garden, but all distinctly above 7 towards 9 and my tap water varies from 9 to 11. Every rock here with the exception of a few granitic glacial erratics is pure limestone. So I think I can cross off a simple pH as problematic here. Same for calcium. I can already feel the wallet getting lighter as I peruse the F. imperialis sellers. And by the way, does nay one know how the Dutch grow them so well that they can ship large bulbs in big quantities? Are these dug and stored each summer? Thanks and best -- 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 +