Flowers - Container Gardening

Amaryllis Care

Amaryllis develop so rapidly that it's fun to watch their progress from day to day. And, they're amazingly easy to grow.

You can plant one or more bulbs of the same variety in a pot that's only slightly wider than the bulbs. The container doesn't have to be terribly deep, but it must have a drain hole at the bottom. To grow Amaryllis, follow these instructions:

As you would for any indoor plant, use fresh, sterilized potting soil. Put a little soil in the bottom of the container; plant each bulb, making sure to spread the roots evenly. Leave two-thirds of each bulb showing above the soil.
Water the soil thoroughly when you plant. When it begins to grow, move the amaryllis to a bright, sunny spot. Water it thoroughly whenever the soil feels dry to the touch.
Remove individual flowers as they fade by cutting them off behind the stem swelling at the base of each bloom. Let the stem die down naturally. As long as it's green it will put more energy into the bulb for next year.
After it turns yellow and soft you can pull it out of the bulb easily. In early June, when it gets warmer, you can move amaryllis outdoors to the garden. Start off in light shade; move it to bright sun after a week or so. Fertilize the soil every month during late spring and summer, but mix your fertilizer half-strength.

For more information, contact Extension Service Master Gardeners or visit the Yard and Garden and INFO-U web sites on the Internet. You may also access University of Minnesota Extension Service publication Forcing Bulbs for Indoor Beauty in Winter.

Title:	Amaryllis Care	Number:	438
Script writer:	Deborah Brown	Source:	Univ. of MN Dept. of Hort. Science, Yard and Garden Line
Date:	1992/97/2002	Reviewer:	Krishona Martinson

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