Amaryllis

Paul Pietsch, Lanark County Master Gardeners | Dec 20, 2012

This plant is bought as a bulb, usually in the fall. Plant the bulb half into the soil. Water and fertilize. It will take six to eight weeks for the bulb to flower. Usually the flower stalk will grow first followed by the leaves. All the time you should water and fertilize as required. Keep the soil moist but not wet and fertilize with a liquid fertilizer (all three numbers about equal) at one quarter to half strength every time you water. Less is better than more. Once the flowers have faded remove the dead petals leaving the green stalk and the leaves. This greenery will now replenish the bulb so it can flower again.

You can now decide approximately when you want the amaryllis to flower again. The leaves should stay on a minimum of two months, being watered and fertilized regularly. The longer the leaves are left on the better for the bulb.

Remember the timing. Flowering will have finished by the end of January. Two months of greenery will bring it to the end of March. (This greenery time can be extended to as long as you want) The bulb should now be allowed to dry down completely for a minimum of two months. (Months can be added to the dry period) By lengthening the time in both stages you have some control as to when it will flower again.

Start the bulb up again by watering and fertilizing. It will take the bulb six to eight weeks to flower again. Temperature can be a factor. In a cool house it will be slower, in a warm location quicker. Give as much sun as possible. Less sun makes the flower stalk grow taller. With reblooming the leaves often grow first. Enjoy!

Questions? This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For gardening advice throughout the year, call the Renai at 613-267-7272, email us at lanarkmg@gmailcom or visit our website at www.lanarkmastergardeners.mgoi.ca.