Bulb measurements

While looking at some of the ebay auctions for asiatic lilies, I've noticed most auctions list a measurement such as 13cm or 20cm as the size of the bulb. Is this the diameter or circumference of the bulb?

It is circumference.....you divide this number by 8 and you will have the diameter. You divide that by 2.25 and you have the size in appr. inches

This message was edited Nov 9, 2004 7:12 PM

Thank you. That makes more sense.

Dividing by 8 is a bit extreme. To get from circumference to diameter you divide by pi = 3.14, or near enough just divide by 3. Or go direct from circumference in cm to diameter in inches by dividing by 8 (7.98)

Brings back memories from my college math classes:

circumference= 2"pi"r
diameter = (circumference/2"pi") * 2
must multiply by 2 as "r" is simply the radius and the diameter = 2*r

You are correct.....my answer in the second sentence is a bit confusing as to what to divide........reason for me not to be a teacher. sorry.

Thanks for the forumula guys and for asking the question Emily! Bookmarked this page for future reference.

To be safe, you should ask the seller. I've seen some sellers measure in circumference and others in diameter, and it will vary from variety to variety.

Domestic caladiums, for example, are measure in diameter in inches while asian varieties are often measured in centimeters in circumference.

The only way to be sure is to clarify it with the seller.