McGary wrote: " We need those bulbs in September. " Why? It has only been in recent years that the reason for late planting of bulbs here on the East Coast has been much publicized: the really important criterion is soil temperature. Don't plant until the soil temperatures drop. September and even early October can be warm, muggy months here. Many bulbs will do nothing if planted in warm soil. And if it's warm and moist, they might rot. When I can get bulbs which are difficult to store (Fritillaria, Erythronium for instance) I'll usually put them in zip-lock bags with a quick spritz of water and then put those bags in the refrigerator. If the bulbs are viable, they will soon start to root. Congeners not given the refrigerator treatment remain dormant and continue to dry out. Jane, what's different about conditions on the West Coast? What makes it essential to get the bulbs so early? Jim McKenneyMontgomery County, Maryland, USA, USDA zone 7, where crepe myrtles and Franklinia alatamaha are blooming. _______________________________________________ pbs mailing list pbs@lists.pacificbulbsociety.net http://lists.pacificbulbsociety.net/cgi-bin/…