Does anyone know anything about growing Vallota?

Does anyone know of a good souce for these bulbs? I have never grown these before. Are they as fun and easy as amaryllis grown in the house for a big show? thanks

no i haven't grown them. hope this site help u... http://www.vandycks.com/spring/z31346.33162.html

Yes, they are quite easy to grow and I always had them in shallow earthenware pans. It seemed to complement their appearance.
Here in my area of the UK they are an evergreen bulbous cool glasshouse plants. They were first introduced into the UK in the eighteenth century.
Optimum temperature for the Vallota would be in the region of 5-10C Sept to March and 13-18C March to June. the bulbs are then allowed to die back and remain dry during the summer.

I see you are in zone 10 - outdoors they are suited to a light sandy soil and a warm sunny position. Plant the bulbs in Spring or autumn about 13cm deep and place on sand in the bottom of the hole. The species speciosa originate from S.Africa.

Peter.

OH thanks Peter. So I guess this is the wrong time to buy and plant some? I wanted them to grow in the house, not outside. I wonder if they are really for sale to plant now at Van Dykes. That seems to be the only place to buy them in the US. I love to have flowering bulbs in the house. So cheerful. I love amaryllis but thought I would try some diversity. DO you think thtey will do ok in a house out of direct light?
thanks

Kell - the Vallota (syn Cyrtanthus) is evergreen if not dried off. Some gardeners will withdraw water to force a dormant period and some will keep growing as evergreen foliage. I prefer the former. They may be sold as a growing plants or dry bulbs. I expect suppliers will be selling at different stages and times. When dry bulbs are planted it is usual to plant them in the spring or autumn because they are basically a late spring flowering bulb - although they may start to bloom in the spring and continue into the autumn. Mine were planted in the late autumn and started to bloom under cool glass in the early spring. This is not a bulb with a specific flowering period. Mine were just left to their own devices in a cold frame during summer and they produced the odd flower here and there. They were by and large neglected from late June through september.
Grow them indoors as you would the Amaryllis but place many bulbs in the pot or pan as they like crowded conditions.
A sunny window aspect would be best.

Peter.

great Peter........I will definitely try them!
thanks