Dear Friends, The diametric positions given by John and Jim - ship bulbs dormant versus ship bulbs in growth just reflects the way most gardeners have been tuned into Dutch Bulb Shipping Practices. DBSP want all bulbs dormant , dry and shipped in in Sept or Oct. We, however, as bulb growers KNOW that this schedule is not always the case. Although most tulips, narcissus and hyacinths tolerate this timetable, * some bulbs are just not very happy being dug in Sept. (or earlier) dried on racks and stored for weeks or months before going back into the ground. Jane has mentioned Fritillaria, I con confirm Lycoris, and others have mentioned Galanthus as just needing special handling and timing. Isn't it just obvious that some bulbs can tolerate the DBSP, but some are not as adaptable. We as devoted geophyte fans can adjust our own personal schedule to dig and ship /share bulbs to fit the bulbs, not the DBSP routine. This is one reason the Bulb/Seed Ex is such a success. Donors supply bulbs at the 'right' time, not on calendar time. How many complaints have you heard about Eranthis and Sternbergia being dried out and dead on arrival in Nov. ? I won't even start on how the DBSP doesn't work very well for fall blooming bulbs like Fall Crocus, Colchicum etc. So Jim and John may both be right if the bulbs successfully make the move, grow and bloom. Best and Happy Solstice to all. Jim W. * or have the Dutch have selected cvs that tolerate this schedule? -- 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 +