fiat: you definitely have a flower stalk (scape) starting at the side. A good clue to look for when you first see something poking out is to look for a tiny notch at the tip That indicates its a scape. The tip of the leaf poking out doesn't have the notch. Leaves normally grow out of the center. The scape can poke out at the center or from the side of the neck. Depends on the bulb. Some varieties bloom before there is much or even any leaf growth. Some varieties put up leaves before you see a scape starting. Again depends on the variety and sometimes even the particular bulb. I'm still waiting for my new bulbs to arrive.
