Corms - A corm is a short, vertical, swollen underground stem of a plant (usually one of the monocots) that serves as a storage organ to enable the plant to survive winter or other adverse conditions such as summer drought and heat (estivation). A corm consists of one or more internodes with at least one growing point, and is typically surrounded by protective skins or tunics. Inside, a corm is mostly starch-containing parenchyma cells. Corms can be dug up and used to propagate or redistribute the plant (see, for example, taro). Externally, they are often similar in appearance to bulbs, and erroneously called by that name, but internally their solid tissue easily distinguishes them from bulbs, which are visibly layered. Cultivated plants that form corms include; Many plants of the family Iridaceae grown for their flowers, including Crocus, Gladiolus, Iris, and Montbretia Many plants of several families grown as root vegetables; see that article for a list.

Nerine bulbs generally grow in clusters of about 10 blossoms at the tip of leafless stalks that measure about one to two feet tall. These bulbs generally bloom in late summer or fall. The flowers measure about one to three inches in diameter and have prominent pollen-bearing stamens. There are dark centre lines on the petals that seem to glow and this adds to the beauty of the bulb. Nerine bulbs are great additions to rock gardens.

The leaves of nerine bulbs grow when the flowers open and continue to grow all the way through winter and spring. It is in midsummer that the foliage withers away and the plant sends up new flower stalks. Nerines flourish in all zones but have to be shifted indoors in winter. Zones 8 – 10 are best for them as they prefer light shade. You can plant the bulbs in midsummer or early fall.  Space them 200mm (eight inches) apart and 200mm (eight inches) deep. Applying some bulb fertilizer every month when the leaves grow produces better bulbs.

You can order the types of nerine bulbs you want for your garden over the internet as there are many sites offering the various strains of nerine bulbs. They also provide information on the right period to grow specific strains of nerine. You just have to visit these sites and choose the bulbs according to the season and the flower colour you would like to have in your garden.

There are many varieties of nerine bulbs. The strain Bowdenii produces soft and clear pink flowers. These bulbs are really beautiful and are the best choice for the autumn garden as they start flowering in April. If you want some nerine flowers in the months of February and March you can choose the strain Gold nerine.

This is a strain that is closely related to the Lycoris. The blooms of this variety are bold blooms of gold and sunshine yellow, hence the name, Gold Nerine. This strain is the best choice for areas with warmer climates. If you want to plant this strain in a cool or cold climate you will need to choose a warm and sunny spot to plant them.

Another beautiful strain of nerine bulbs is the Fothergill Major which is a brilliant tangerine with a golden sheen on individual petals that gives the impression that the petal is dusted with gold. This strain of nerine flowers in February and March.

Fothergill Minor produces brilliant, florescent, orange-red blooms that appear in March and April. If this strain is to be planted in very cold regions like Tasmania, it is advisable to plant the bulbs in a warm spot. This is a plant that comes from the dwarf family and grows to a height of about 200mm – 250mm (7½ inch to 9½ inch) tall.

A strain of nerines that blooms in April is the Salmonia which produces Salmon pink blooms. There are many frilly petals on this strain – about thirty petals that form beautifully shaped umbrellas. The white coloured strain is named White or Alba and the winter blooms look whiter than white when compared to the other dull colours of Autumn. This nerine strain flowers in May. The final strain of nerine is the Winter Cheer which produces strong pink flowers adding some great winter cheer to the garden. This flower blooms in June.

You will find that nerine bulbs blossom well even in crowded pots. Adding some ground limestone and a dusting of bone meal to the potting soil improves the quality of the blossoms. The top half of each bulb has to be exposed when planted. When the flower stalks appear you can start watering.  It is best to stop watering in summer but continue feeding until the leaves wither. Containers of nerine bulbs have to be brought in during very cold weather and be placed in a cool, brightly lighted, location. Make it a point to repot them every four to five years.

Nerine bulbs are propagated either from bulblets or from seeds. If you opt for seeds, you have to wait for about three or four years for the plant to reach flowering size. The bulblets generally take a shorter time to reach flowering size. Whichever way you grow nerine bulbs fertilizers are generally not necessary.  You can, however, add a little liquid fertilizer if you like as this is sometimes beneficial to the plants.

It is better if you cut off any spent flowers as this makes way for new flowers. It is possible to repot nerines at any time but repotting should be avoided when the bulbs are in full flower or in full growth. The best time for repotting is around spring to summer. There is a chance the bulbs will be crowded at this point so it is a good idea to lift and divide the clumps. This is a good step to implement if overcrowding of the bulbs has diminished the number of flowers that are being produced.