null

Growing Amaryllis

 

Amaryllis will provide you with the largest most exotic bulb flowers you can easily grow in your home. 

 

  Amaryllis – One of a Kind

 

Of all flowering bulbs, amaryllis is the easiest to bring to bloom.  This can be accomplished indoors or out, and over an extended period of time.  The amaryllis originated in South America’s tropical regions and has the botanical name Hippeastrum.  The large flowers and ease with which they can be brought to bloom make the amaryllis popular and in demand worldwide.  The amaryllis comes in many beautiful varieties including various shades of red, white, pink, salmon and orange.  There are also many striped and multicolored varieties, usually combining shades of pink or red with white.

 

Basic Amaryllis Information

 

- Planting Period:  

 

-October until the end of April

 

-Flowering Period: 

 

- Late December until the end of June

 

-Flowering time:

 

-6-8 weeks

 

Preparation for Planting

 

The base and roots of the bulb should be placed in lukewarm water for a few hours.  Remember, of you cannot plant the bulbs immediately after receiving them. Unplanted bulbs need to be stored at a cool temperature between 40-50 degrees F.

 

Planting

 

Amaryllis bulbs should be planted in a tall pot.  The size of the pot should be 1 inch larger on all sides than the size of the bulb. Plant bulbs in nutritious potting compost, many are available premixed.  Plant the bulb up to its neck in the potting compost, being careful not to damage the roots.  Press the soil down firmly to set the bulb securely in place after planting.

 

Placement and Watering

 

Plant the bulb, or place the potted bulb in a warm place with direct light since heat is necessary for the development of the stems.  The ideal temperature is 68 to 70 degrees F.  Water sparingly until the stem appears, then, as the bud and leaves appear, gradually water more.  At this point, the stem will grow rapidly and flowers will develop after it has reached full growth.

 

Flowering Period

 

Bulbs will flower in 6-8 weeks as a general rule.  In winter the flowering time will be longer than in spring.  Set up your planting schedule between October and April with this in mind.  To achieve continuous bloom plant at intervals of 2 weeks for stunning color in your home or garden. The larger the bulb the more flowers the bulb will produce.

 

After-Bloom Care

 

After flowering:  After the amaryllis has stopped flowering, it can be made to flower again. Cut the old flowers from the stem after flowering and when the stem starts to sag, cut it back to the top of the bulb.

 

Leaf Growth and Development  

 

Continue to water and fertilize as normal all summer, or for at least 5-6 months, allowing the leaves to fully develop and grow.  When the leaves begin to yellow, which normally in the early fall, cut the leaves back to about 2 inches from the top of the bulb and remove the bulb from the soil.

 

Bulb Storage 

 

Clean the bulb and place it in a cool (40-50 degree F), dark place such as the crisper of your refrigerator for a minimum of 6 weeks.  Caution:  Do not store amaryllis bulbs in a refrigerator that contains apples, this will sterilize the bulbs.  Store the bulbs for a minimum of 6 weeks

 

Plant Again  

 

After 6 weeks you may remove bulbs whenever you would like to plant them.  Plant the bulbs 8 weeks before you would like them to bloom.