Veseys

Not Hardy

Plant your Amaryllis in a pot 1-2" wider than the diameter of the bulb and about the same depth. Fill the pot 1/3 full of moistened potting soil and place the bulb on top of the soil spreading out the roots. Add additional soil around the bulbs to be sure it is securely anchored, and water thoroughly. You should still be able to see the top inch or two of the bulb. Place the pot in a warm bright place and water sparingly. When growth starts, increase watering to keep the soil evenly moist and provide lots of light. If your bulbs do not start to sprout within 4-5 weeks after planting, gently remove the bulb from the soil and check to see that it is still firm and that roots are starting to grow. You can try soaking the bulb in warm water for several hours, replanting, watering well and placing in a very warm location. Some bulbs are just slower to start than others are. As the flower stalk elongates, rotate the pot to keep it straight. The flowers usually open 8-10 weeks after planting. For a succession of glorious Amaryllis blooms all winter, start forcing a bulb or two every two weeks from October on. After the flowers fade, cut back the stalks but not the leaves. After danger of frost has passed, set the pot in the garden right up to its rim. Water and fertilize it regularly throughout the summer. In early September, lift the pot and bring it indoors. Withhold water and let foliage die as the bulb goes dormant. After a couple of months, you can restart the growth cycle as above by beginning to water the pot.