Easy-to-grow amaryllis brightens late winter days. Photo courtesy bulb.com
Many of us received an amaryllis bulb as a holiday gift. If you haven’t already done so, pot it up as soon as possible.
The bulb’s neck and shoulder should be above the soil line. Use a high quality potting mix or the planting medium that may have come with the bulb. Water well. Fertilizer is not necessary at planting time.
Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) is programmed to grow. The first sign of life is a blade-shaped leaf protruding from the bulb, usually within a week or two after potting. Place the in an area with bright light, but out of direct sun. Water sparingly.
In a month or so, a thick flower stalk will emerge from the bulb. The lovely, red, white, pink or striped, trumpet-shaped flowers unfurl at the top. Keep soil evenly moist. For the longest bloom period, keep the bulb in a bright, cool area.
Amaryllis is fairly easy to keep year after year. Here are some tips:
- Fertilize monthly once it starts growing until August.
- Once blooms fade, cut off the stalk, but not the leaves.
- If desired, move the potted amaryllis outdoors when all danger of frost has passed. Move it indoors in late August or early September. Stop watering. Allow the leaves to go dry.
- Cut off dry leaves. Top off soil, if needed. Do not water. Move the plant to a cool, dark place, such as a closet.
- After three months, move the potted bulb to a bright area, but out of direct sun. Water well. Then, water sparingly until new growth begins. Follow the directions above for the next bloom cycle.
Save the date
The popular, annual Marion County Extension Spring Garden Clinic will be Feb. 26, at the Orchard School, 615 W. 64th St., Indianapolis. For details, visit the Web site, or call (317) 275-9286
