See subject. If these things multiply like rabbits, then why are they so expensive?

Perhaps because they seem to multiply so well? If you only have to purchase one to have a bunch, then it isn't cost effective for nurseries to grow/maintain/ sell them at a lower price. I looked at a couple sites and every plant seemed to be a hybrid or cultivar which takes time to grow and proof for sale.

Beyond that, I have no idea. My crinums are all pass-a-long plants, much like most of the bulbs and daylilies in my garden.

I've never paid money for one. They are free at our local swaps every year.

David I was going to ask the same thing. I was reading on the bulb forum I think. I went to Ebay and was surprised they were so expensive. I have to see if I can find them locally. I cannot pay those prices.

Well - since I have chosen to simply Ignore Zones altogether , I will likely be growing some Crinum next year.
@Cinta - Yep on Ebay. Sheesh

Zone, Zone? What is a Zone?

We doan need no stinkink zones. Heh

These are large bulbs and usually grown in limited numbers, which would mean higher costs for labour, fertilizer, transportation and fewer bulbs in the same field as compared to say mass produced tulips. Also marketing and sales would be a much higher cost per bulb. Still I don't think this is as much a growing question as it is one of market economics.

For the most part this seems a very specialized niche market, so I'd assume that the high prices for some cultivars comes from lack of competition. As long as there is demand for the bulbs, but the supply is limited or controlled by very few sources you would pay high prices.

Here in Europe the common pink Crinum x powellii can be found for less than 4 Euro and a quick search revealed that the prices for it is reasonable in the USA as well. Out of season, but I found it for a reasonable cost here: https://brentandbeckysbulbs.co... . So not all Crinums are very expensive. In this case you would have more competition and more supply as compared to more unusual or newer cultivars.

There are in fact many specialist bulbs that are very expensive, even though many of them are easy to propagate. So this isn't an unusual situation in any way.

@William - Thanks for all that information.

In the back of my mind I guess I pretty much knew that. But I did want a confirmation from all the knowledgeable folks here.
And I "should" know that since I have a BS & MA in Economics and worked an an applied Microeconomist for over 30 years.

You're very welcome David, and thanks for the laugh!

AHHEEMMM! * cough, clearing throat* I have many crinum to trade, although it would have to be next spring. You can look at my bulbs to trade and I have several available. I will be the crinum enabler, a pusher of fine crinum bulbs if you will. No muss no fuss no wondering what the angle is.

I don't even know what crinums are, but I've noticed that the more rampant a plant is often increases it's initial cost. I've always assumed that the nurseries realize they only get one shot at selling them. Raspberries come to mind, I'm always shocked at the initial sticker price, but then realize one gallon container will eventually give you as many plants as you want (and then some).

Thanks for this thread! Never was aware of the term "crinum" before. Am sure I've seen them just not by that name. After reading a little I have added yet another plant to my wish list. I am seeing them planted in various places in the yard now (in my imagination, of course). @DavidLMO I see what you mean about the cost after looking online. They are beauties.