Space bulbs about a foot apart. Plant the bulb with only half of its nose above ground, leaving the tops barely covered with soil. Select a sunny spot in the garden that receives some shade during the afternoon hours. Avoid placing the bulb where it will dry out excessively. Apply mulch, especially during the fall and winter months.
Fertilization determines the size and quality of the flowers and foliage.
Apply 1 to1 pounds per 100 square feet or 100 feet of row to be established. A bulb booster type fertilizer can also be used. Make the first fertilizer application as new growth begins, then repeat the application when the flower stalk is 6 to 8 inches tall. Apply a third application immediately after flowering when the old flower heads and flower stems have been removed. Plants infected with mosaic virus have a light yellow streaking of the leaves and reduced growth and flowering over the years.