Ok you two! Pat, Rick often comes off like a snob! Just kidding Rick! I think that the moral of the story is that there are really no "givens" in nature. Pat, my 'Kushi Maya' stems came up almost a month after every other lily I grow. Why? Not too sure except for the fact that I'm sure it involves it's genetics and possibly many environmental factors. As I've said Pat, you have to let the plant grow on its own sometimes. It's ok to ask questions but realize that with experience it will be easier to put together. In my limited experience, spring planted bulbs tend to not follow "normal" sprouting patterns based on many factors such as; condition of the bulb, soil compaction, depth of planting, size of the sprout before planting, and as Will said the storage facilities cool storage can vary greatly. That said I prefer fall planting but I never let spring get in the way of a bulb that I really want! Ha
Finally, I think it is human nature to get defensive when it feels as if someone is against you. Rick, don't censor yourself as you add a lot of great knowledge to the forum. Pat, don't be afraid to ask questions either but DO think that there are many options in nature and fewer rules.
