Hooper's Garden Center
Amaryllis Culture
The Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) is a true bulb that originated in the tropical areas of
South America. Thus, it is a tender bulb. It performs best when grown under
warm (70° to 75°F) temperatures for 9 to 10 months to promote flowering and
vegetative growth, followed by 2 to 3 months of either cool (55°F) dry storage
or cool (55°F) growing conditions. The use of one of the latter conditions is
required to promote re-flowering of the bulb.
Most marketed bulbs sold are greater than 8 inches (20 cm) in circumference, and
are either Dutch, Israeli, or South African-grown. They produce 2 to 6 flowers per
floral stalk, with the average being 4. Very large bulbs normally produce 2 flower
stalks. Flower colors are red, white, pink, orange, salmon, and bi-colored (mostly
whites with pink or red flushes). Plant heights range from 18 to 36 inches
depending on the cultivar, the country in which the bulb was produced, and home
forcing conditions.
Potting and Care Instructions
The amaryllis is a tender bulb that will bloom without special treatment when
first purchased. It should be potted up in light, rich soil in a pot that is
only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the bulb. The upper third to half of the
bulb should be exposed above the soil line. After watering thoroughly, allow the
soil to become quite dry. Water more frequently after the flower stalk appears,
but avoid watering when the soil is already moist. Put the plant in a warm, sunny
spot until the flower buds show color, then move it out of direct sunlight.
Care After Blooming
After blooming, cut off the flowers to prevent seed formation. The foliage should
be handled as if it were a sun loving houseplant. Place it in the brightest
possible location indoors until it is warm enough to sink the pot in soil outdoors
where it will receive dappled sunlight. Gradually move the bulb to a brighter
location where eventually it has at least five or six hours of sunlight. Fertilize
with a balanced houseplant food at regular intervals to build up the nutrients
needed for blooming the following year.
Amaryllis should be brought indoors before the first frost in the fall.
Traditionally, the bulb is then given a resting period by placing it in a dark
location, withholding all water and allowing the leaves to dry. The bulb may be
forced into bloom again after resting eight weeks, or even less, should new growth
appear spontaneously. If necessary, repot in a slightly larger container. If
the pot is still large enough, remove the upper 2 inches of soil and topdress
with fresh potting soil. This completes the cycle, which may be repeated annually
for many years of lovely blossoms.
With a little care and effort, you can have a steady supply of bulb flowers from
late January to April. Forcing bulbs into flowering can be a great pleasure and
challenge for anyone who is interested in flowering plants.
Amaryllis Available at Hooper's
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@2005
Hooper's Garden Center
