I second what Roselee said. I've separated crinums the water hose way, too, and it didn't hurt them at all. And you don't need to hurry to get them in the ground. You can leave those things lying around on the ground for months before you plant them, and they won't know the difference!

I agree too. Bulbs, corms and tubers always benefit from dividing.

But Crinums don't really like to be disturbed and don't need to be divided unless you want more plants. The more often you disturb them, the less blooms you'll get.

I had potting soil that was full of ants, which I dumped out into another container. They may not leave in 24 hours but usually after a few more days of me disturbing their area, they eventually left. If they think the crinums (or dirt around the crinums) are their home area, it may take a few days more also.

You should be able to use the ant baits like ant mound killer or even liquid ant baits (borax) in and around the crinums and the area where the bulbs are lieing.

When you get ready to plant them, I have read that if you plant them a little deeper, they will not divide as much, and instead give more blooms (when they are big enough). Otherwise, if you want to get more bulbs over time, plant a few a little bit more shallow. That's what I've read, anyway. I haven't had mine enough years to see how they act.

I only dug them up because I was moving and wanted to take some with me. The one bunch I dug up gave me 20 fist size plus bulbs. I was pleased with that. They are blooming and my husband said last night that is his favorite flower we have. It was worth all the ant bites for him to say that.

I don't want to offend, but are you sure you have crinum bulbs? Might they be Amaryllis instead? The reason I ask is because there is no true red crinum, only reddish pink, and most crinums bloom later in the season. Amaryllis however do come in true red and are blooming now.

This is what they look like. Are they Amaryllis? I did have the white with pink crinums before. I thought it seemed early to have them blooming. I just thought they must bloom earlier in the far south.

Yes, those are amaryllis and they are beautiful!

I had envisioned the red foliaged crinums. But the answer to your question remains the same whether crinums or amaryllis. And they are definitely worth digging and taking with you ... :-)

Oh wow! I can't be sure from the photo, but look up images of Hippeastrum x johnsonii- St Joseph's Lily and see if that's what you have. One of the beloved passalong heritage bulbs of the South and a real treasure.

I agree that they are St. Joseph's Lily. They are truly beautiful.

i am so jealous they're going to be beautiful i want ......as many as i can get Santa please hurry