Released Jan. 3, 2008
MANHATTAN, Kan. - Although popular as a holiday gift and post-holiday bargain, amaryllis bulbs look intimidating to some would-be growers. The ones that cost the most and produce the biggest flowers - 8-10 inches across - can be grapefruit-size.
"Fortunately, these bulbs are a cinch to grow - no matter their width. Plus, their vivid, exotic- looking flowers will provide a cheerful display for more than a month during the depths of winter," said Emily Nolting, horticulturist with Kansas State University Research and Extension.
With the right care, eventually all mature amaryllis bulbs will bloom, Nolting added.
"Novice gardeners often find that fact comforting," she said. "To keep you on your toes, though, you never know whether a mature bulb is going to bloom right away or take its time."
Nolting said the recommended care for an amaryllis isn´t the same as that for other houseplants:
- Select a container that only allows about an inch of soil between pot rim and bulb. The pot can be clay or plastic but must have drainage holes, covered by a layer of pebbles or broken clay pot pieces..
- Select a good potting-soil mix. If available, get a bulb-potting mix with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8.
- Hold the bulb so the roots hang down into the pot. Add potting mix until at least half of the bulb is buried (NEVER the bulb neck). Firm the mix carefully so roots don´t snap off.
- Water well. Place in a sunny location. Try to keep temperatures in the 70s (day) to 60s (night).
- Keep the soil only slightly moist until growth starts.
- When flower buds begin to show color, move the plant to a bright, but cooler location that´s out of direct sunlight, so the flowers will last longer. Turn the pot occasionally. Water when the soil feels dry.
- When the flowers are spent, cut them off to keep the bulb from expending energy to form seeds. Place the plant back in a sunny location. Feed and water it as you would a houseplant.
"If you want to keep your amaryllis going after that, do a little research. You´ll find it´s just as easy to maintain the plant outdoors through summer, put it through a dark and dry period in fall, and then force it to bloom again next December," Nolting said. "In time, it will even produce babies."
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http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/news/
Contact: Mary Lou Peter-Blecha, mlpeter@ksu.edu
