Sow Brunsvigia seeds in deep seed trays as soon as possible after harvesting in a very well-drained, sandy medium to which some fine compost is added. Press lightly into the soil, so that the top of the seed remains visible. Water well once and then again only after the first leaves appear. After that, water well once every two to three weeks. When the leaves begin to yellow, withhold watering altogether. Judicious watering starts again when the leaves reappear after the dormant period. Leave young plants in seed trays for at least two years before potting up individually into large deep pots about 30 cm in diameter. Select pots which will hold the mature plants as they don't enjoy being disturbed again.

If planting into open ground, select a really well-drained position which only receives natural rains and is not influenced by artificial watering systems. This is truly a waterwise plant! Also select a spot where the flowerheads can develop to their full size and be appreciated without being smothered or hidden by other plants.

Away from the winter rainfall region it would be best to treat this plant as a pot subject, so that watering can be carefully controlled.

Amaryllids can also be grown from offsets or from scales. Two publications in the Kirstenbosch Gardening Series, Grow bulbs and Grow nerines, both by Graham Duncan of the National Botanical Institute, have further valuable propagation information.

Pests and diseases: These plants have a toxic principle which prevents them from being eaten by moles and mole rats which tend to be the scourge of many other bulbous plants planted out in the garden. They suffer very few other problems.