Amaryllis are among the most majestic holiday flowers. Their blooms are big, colorful and fit the season. Best of all, they are simple to care for.
“They’re great flowers to have,” said Rob Johnson, owner of Humphrey’s Flowers. Traditionally, amaryllis are not cut. They’re displayed with a big bulb showing. But more and more, people are choosing to grow them, cut them and use them in fresh arrangements, Johnson said.
“They’ve also become a very popular wedding flower,” Johnson said.
Here are tips from www.amaryllis.com that will keep your amaryllis in bloom for years to come.
1. Plant the bulb, or place the potted bulb in a warm place with direct light since heat is necessary for the development of the stems. The ideal temperature is 68 to 70 F. Water sparingly until the stem appears, then, as the bud and leaves appear, gradually water more. At this point, the stem will grow rapidly and flowers will develop after it has reached full growth.
2. Bulbs will flower in seven to 10 weeks. To achieve continuous bloom, plant at intervals of two weeks for stunning color in your home or garden.
3. After the amaryllis has stopped flowering, it can be made to flower again. Cut the old flowers from the stem, and then when the stem starts to sag, cut it back to the top of the bulb.
4. Continue to water and fertilize as normal all summer, or for at least five to six months, allowing the leaves to fully develop. When the leaves begin to yellow, which normally occurs in the early fall, cut the leaves back to about two inches from the top of the bulb and remove the bulb from the soil.
5. Clean the bulb and place it in a cool (40-50 F), dark place — such as the crisper of your refrigerator — for at least six weeks. Caution: Do not store amaryllis bulbs in a refrigerator that contains apples, this will sterilize the bulbs. Plant bulbs eight weeks before you would like them to bloom.