By Rachel Dutton
Amaryllis are popular flowering bulbs which are forced indoors for their large, spectacular blooms during the holiday months in the winter. The colorful flowers help to brighten the gray days of winter. Amaryllis bulbs make great Christmas gifts and can be forced beginning in November for vibrant blooms around Christmas. Amaryllis bulbs can be found in ready-to-plant kits, bulbs at local nurseries and plant and bulb catalogs. When choosing bulbs shop early in the season and choose bulbs that are plump and firm.
Amaryllis bulbs produce magnificent trumpet-shaped blooms and are available in a wide range of colors – red, white, yellow, pink, salmon and bicolor. In addition to solid-colored petals, there are many varieties with stripes, contrasting edges — even double blooms. Single-flowering, double-flowering, and miniature amaryllis cultivars are also available. A single stem will produce 4 flowers, and large bulbs may produce 2 stems.
Potting and Forcing
When planting an amaryllis bulb, select a pot which is approximately 1 to 2 inches wider than the diameter of the bulb. The container may be clay, ceramic, or plastic, but should have drainage holes in the bottom. Plant the bulb in a well-drained potting mix. Place a small amount of the potting mix in the bottom of the pot. Center the bulb in the middle of the pot. Then add additional potting soil, firming it around the roots and bulb. When finished potting, the upper one-half of the bulb should remain above the soil surface. Also, leave about one inch between the soil surface and the pot’s rim. Then water thoroughly and place in a warm (70 to 75°F) location.
For pre-planted amaryllis bulb check the container for drainage holes. If the container does not have drainage holes remove the bulb from the pot and drill small holes in the bottom of the container for drainage and replant the bulb.
After the initial watering, water just enough to keep the potting mix barely moist. When growth appears, move the plant to a sunny window and water more frequently. During flower stalk elongation, turn the pot daily to keep the flower stalk growing straight. Stake flower stalks that lean badly.
When the amaryllis begins to bloom, move the plant to a slightly cooler (65 to 70°F) location that does not receive direct sun to prolong the life of the flowers.
After bloom care
After the flowers fade, cut off the flower stems and let the leaves grow to nourish the bulb. Continue to water and fertilize the plant. In spring, after the danger of frost, the amaryllis in the pot can be moved outdoors to grow in a shady place so the foliage can continue to grow and nourish the bulb for several months. In the late summer or early fall gradually reduce watering so that the leaves die back. When leaves turn brown cut them off. Allow the bulb to rest in a in a cool (50°F/10°C), dry place for at least 2 months. Plant it again in fresh soil 6-8 weeks before you want it to bloom.
Good amaryllis care will ensure that you will enjoy beautiful blooms year after year.
The author of this article, Rachel Dutton, is a Paulding County Master Gardener Extension Volunteer. For more information on gardening in Paulding, contact a Master Gardener or the County Extension Agent at the Paulding County Cooperative Extension Office at 770-443-7616 or check us out online at www.ugaextension.org/paulding.
