Dear Arnold, You do surprise me with such a basic question from an established bulb expert. For me it is simple, there is no better packaging for a bulb than soil. So plant as soon as you can. Concerning watering, just observe the climat where the bulbs originally grow. Most Narcissus have permanent roots and make new ones from the end of July onwards. (so a slight bit of humidity or rain is recommended). Polyxena has dry summers with rain early autumn. Concerning temperatures it is the same thing; imitate the relatif cool temperatures at 10cm depth in a shaded position. If growth/shoots appear you are allready late. This advice is for the perfectionists amongst us. The good thing about bulbs is that they are rather tolerant to non-optimal conditions. Here in the Provence it is now getting very hot and dry. Not the kind of weather to dig the garden and plant bulbs. Nevertheless we encourage our customers to plant now until the end of august. Bulbs are now lifted and next week we will start sending out the parcels. Kind greetings Lauw de Jager http://www.bulbargence.com/ South of France -----Original Message----- Specifically Narcissus and Polyxena. Should they be potted up and played in a cool location until sign of growth appear? Left in paper bag in warm location? My gut feeling is pot up and place in cool location until signs of growth show and then give a good watering.