Does the word amaryllis have a magical sound for you? This truly magical hull) originally from South Africa, is a means of continuing your gardening indoors during winter.
Lily-shaped flowers of bright hues, usually three to a stem and with from one to three stems, are the reward for growing amaryllis.
Bulb size determines the number of stems. Most of the bulbs in cultivation are hybrids. Flower colors include several reds, orange, white, and some pastels.
Inexpensive small bulbs send up one flower stalk, the larger ones several. Two to six flowers may appear on the scape (or flower stalk).
Bulbs are available in early fall in most localities. Some pre-cooled bulbs for early flowering are available. These probably will bloom by Christmas and make fine gifts for indoor gardeners.
Bulbs that are not pretreated start blooming about February or later, depending on the planting date. It takes three to four months before flowering.
All that is needed to grow amaryllis is good soil, regular watering, suitable temperatures, and fertilizer applications at the proper time.
Growing Amaryllis Outdoors in Mild Winter
In climates where winters are mild, amaryllis can grow to perfection outdoors. Elsewhere, they must be grown indoors.
However, it may be possible to grow them where winter temperatures dip down to 20° degrees Fahrenheit with a little protection. Rather than risk losses, however, amateur gardeners in cooler areas should try them in pots.
When ready to plant amaryllis bulbs, select a container, preferably a clay pot with a diameter about an inch more than the bulb.
Potting Soil Mixture
The potting soil should have a mixture of loam, leaf mold, peat, and a little sand to make a light, easily warmed soil through which air can circulate freely.
The usual mixture would be about one-third each. Some growers prefer to treat the soil to rid it of possible harmful pests and diseases. Simple chemical controls are readily available.
Planting and Watering
To plant the bulb, hold it near the top part of the container and let the roots hang free down in the pot. Fill soil around the roots so they are well covered.
When the bulb is in its position, it will be approximately halfway out of the soil. Bulbs without roots are planted at the same depth.
Moisten the soil with lukewarm water and keep it barely moist until the bulb is actively growing, which will need additional water.
Never keep the soil so wet that air cannot circulate through the roots. This is the biggest cause of failure with amaryllis.
Water your plant with lukewarm water only when the need is apparent, and apply it only to the soil at the pot top.
Heat and Humidity
Some heat coming up from the bottom and considerable humidity will aid growth. Humidity can be obtained by setting the pot on a tray of moist sand.
Reusing Amaryllis Bulbs
Of course, you’ll want to use the bulb another season. To do this most successfully, keep the plant inside until June and then outside until the nights get cool.
If you plan to plant the hull again in November and let it go dormant in August.
Cut off the leaves and keep them at house temperature for three months without water, then plant them as you did the previous year.
Feeding and Fertilizing
To be assured the bull) will flower, it is also necessary to feed it well with liquid fertilizer, or its equivalent, from the time the bloom fades until it is ready to go dormant.
44659 by Carl Maskey