Dear All, Here is the reply of Gordon: "In reply to the query of Rob from Tasmania, I am happy to oblige. "Firstly a copy of my talk from the recent IBSA symposium might be of help (see other Email). In addition to this however, all my bulbs/corms grown under cover receive no water during the dormant period and remain totally dry. This also applies to 1st and 2nd year seedlings, which tolerate the same management as mature bulbs. If they show signs of growth in the early Autumn I will immediately begin a programme of watering (including disinfecting). However I only normally begin watering, should there be no signs of growth on the 15th of April of the year. This actually goes for all my winter rainfall bulbs and corms." le 14/10/03 13:03, Robert Hamilton à roberth6@mac.com a écrit : for sharing your enlightening experience with Gordon Summerfield. > I have a query for Gordon and I wonder if Lauw will pass it on. > >> Plants like Daubenya and Massonia need good light however. Good light, >> but protection from the dew will reduce crown rot and fungal diseases. >> Watering from the bottom will help as well. > > This statement implies that Daubenya and Massonia are grown under > cover to prevent dew and rainfall on the leaves. This being the > case do they remain totally dry for the summer months ? If not how > often are they watered during dormancy ? What about watering management > for first and second year seedlings during summer ? Do they > tolerate the same management as mature bulbs ? > > Having just watched the leaves on a mature Massonia echinata > disappear from crown rot ,( we had what amounts to half our years > average annual rainfall during August and September ) , the under cover > management appeals to me , as I have quite a range of first and > second year seedlings of both genera. Lauw de Jager Bulb'Argence