Actually as I think in it, I believe old house gardens sells ‘waxed’ tubers which are supposed to be much much more successful than the regular dried out ones. You could try checking there if you’re determined to get them!

I planed a bunch also last year from the Netherland bulbs bagged from the nursery. I only saw two buds come up, and then something ate them. i wonder if the squirrels dig them up? Maybe few sprouted and were planted DOA.

I've seen hundreds in lawns the last two weeks, growing like weeds in areas that grass doesn't even grow well. Very showy in drifts, do they spread easily from seeds?

Yes, they spread by seeds. The challenge is getting the first ones.
I tried cillica this year (have hyemalis) and got one up, and something flattened it when the flower was fully open :(

Could one pick a few old flower buds at the right time and try to spread the seeds to start a new colony?

Very helpful, everyone! I was inspired by a 'drift' in a neighbor's house and thought I'd try them. I actually now do have some coming out, so I guess it was all good-- I'm in the woods, so maybe the lack of warm sunlight had something to do with the lateness! Thanks!