How to grow Dichelostemma ida-maia in a cold climate
Michael Mace (Tue, 25 Mar 2014 10:45:57 PDT)

Jane wrote:

usually experience the extreme summer drought of the more southern and
interior areas) outdoors for many years in the Portland, Oregon, area.

Thanks for the correction, Jane. I think you're right, and that probably
explains why I've sometimes had trouble maintaining D. ida-maia in smaller
pots.

The question of how dry bulbs should be in the summer is very tricky. There
are definitely many California bulbs that don't want any water. But some
others need a bit of summer moisture, especially if the pot or bed stays
cool. The North American Fritillaria species are a good example; I have a
terrible time maintaining them, probably because my pots get too dry in
summer.

Mike
San Jose, CA