It sounds like the bulb has lost a lot of it's size and energy. The way these bulbs are grown to be reliable bloomers is that they are grown for several years without being allowed to bloom. That means the flower stalk is usually cut off when it appears. This allows the bulb to direct all its energy on leaf and bulb growth. The bulbs must go dormant to trigger the bloom cycle. Usually the bulbs are just left to dry up in a cool and dark place in late summer through late fall. Then the cycle begins again in early spring, at least for the commercial varieties. Professional grows keep cutting the flower stalk, so that by the time the consumer buys and plants one of these bulbs, it's almost guaranteed to bloom -- how would you like it if the one thing in life you want to do is bloom and someone keeps cutting your bloom off -- given the opportunity to bloom, you certainly would. In your case it seems that through neglect the bulb has lost a lot of it's enery. If you leave it, it will continue to grow leaves and the bulb should get bigger. The bigger the bulb the bigger the bloom. If a flower stalk starts to appear you can decide to let it bloom or you can cut it and just let the bulb get bigger and healthier. I think the small size indicates that the bulb may not be up to blooming this time around. You can give it try, these bulbs are rather foolproof.

DONE DEAL!!! Packages should go out between Nov. 1~15.. WOOOHOOO!!!! Once you recieve a package POST!!!!! Give Thanks!!!! I just Love the Hoildays!!!! Kylie

I ended up using the plastic bins. Since I didnÂt want to spend new money on these, I went around the house and ferreted out the ones I had, and consolidated the contents to free up some bins. I didnÂt have enough for everything, but for the rest IÂll wait until something turns up. I donated about a third of the tablecloths too. Being frugal is work! I checked a few stores before going that route though, and found that not only have plastic storage bins gone way up in price, but most seem to have things like fancy or locking lids, bulky handles, etc. Beats me why a plastic box needs to be redesigned like the latest car model. The basic ones I repurposed are much more functional.

Haven't been able to get here for several days; I have the box packed to go to Afgh. right after T'giving. I did get the special box from the PO. "My" PO volunteered the inform that it's $2 less to military addr so that brings it to 10.95. Every little bit helps. My neice's PO didn't offer that tidbit re: pkg to her step-son in Iraq. She'll be mailing from my mom's PO & not mess with hers. A friend gave me a gift cert he wasn't going to use, & that helped a LOT when I started buying. I can't remember now what all I stuffed in there! toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, sanitary wipes, indiv. packets of kool-aid & gatoraid, snacks, etc. I even found 2-oz bottles of honey!! Had never seen that before. Think I might be able to get in a booklet of devotions. Doesn't matter if it's the 'right' date or not.....I usually read them on 'off' dates. :-) I included a couple of games....remember the ones with a maze and a small bb to get thru the maze? I found them last year on a Dollar Store clearance!! I have the box FULL; plan to take it to the PO before I seal it to be sure it's ok. The g'son I thought would be in VA will be 'in transit' and maybe, just maybe, be HOME for Christmas. But I'm fixing his Christmas w/ shipping in mind. I did learn that because he lives in a particular type barracks (training)...sorry, don't remember what my son called it....he can't have snack stuff because of 'vermin'. So! books & other things are being gathered! I appreciate the extra suggestions. As we all share ideas, we can help each other and our military. I'll check out the anysholdier.com, too. Thanks for that link.