Brighten winter days with blooming amaryllis
After we tuck in our gardens and head indoors for the winter, we gardeners long for a way to satisfy our green thumbs. Many scratch their proverbial gardening itch by growing amaryllis that brighten winter days with magnificent, glamorous blooms.
Amaryllis planting and care
Start by choosing a top-size bulb. When it comes to bulbs, size really does matter. Smaller amaryllis bulbs may be less expensive, but the larger the bulb, the more flowers are contained within.
It is very easy to grow amaryllis. Plant one (or more) of the voluptuous bulbs in a pot just slightly larger than the bulb - a couple of inches larger in diameter than the bulb. Gently press the soil down around the bulb so that the shoulders and neck of the bulb are visible.
Water lightly. Place the pot in a sunny window and wait, but remember the old saying - a watched bulb never grows! Or was that a saying about water boiling in a pot? No matter, just be patient for several days.
When growth begins, water often enough to keep the soil barely moist. Six to eight weeks after you plant the bulb, you will be rewarded with huge blooms that explode from 1- to 2-foot stems. For continuous bloom all winter long, plant bulbs at two-week intervals.
Once the flowers open, move the pot away from the sunny window into a spot with indirect light to keep blooms from fading.
After-blooming care
When the last flower has faded on a stem, cut it off near the top of the bulb. When all stems have been cut back, move the container to the sunniest spot available to encourage as much leaf growth as possible. Fertilize once a month and never let the soil dry out completely.
After the danger of frost has passed in spring, move your amaryllis outside. The foliage will keep on growing all summer. Continue to fertilize.
When leaves begin to yellow in fall, cut back foliage to about 2 inches from the top of the bulb. Be sure to bring it back inside before the first frost. Remove soil from the bulb, and let it 'rest' in a cool, dark place for two months. Then, repot the bulb into a larger pot and get ready for a repeat performance.
Amaryllis varieties
Amaryllis come in a wide array of colors from deep velvety red to satiny pink and orange to pure white. Bicolors are also available.
The glistening, pure white flowers of Mount Blanc are a holiday classic. Plant Mont Blanc in a bright red pot - it's spectacular!
The blooms of Charisma have been described as 'a splash of cherry Kool-Aid' on white petals.
Exotica's flowers are a lovely shade of salmon-orange. Exotica is the perfect choice for those looking for the nontraditional.
Lemon Star boasts soft yellow blooms punctuated by lime green eyes.
The fresh white petals of Picotee are outlined in crisp red.
Red Pearl is deep red. Plant Red Pearl in a black glazed pot - stunning!
Head out to your favorite garden center and pick up a few for yourself and some for holiday gifts. Their bold, beautiful blooms will brighten all those gray winter days.
Diana Stoll is the retail manager, a horticulturalist, and a master gardener at The Planter's Palette, 28W571 Roosevelt Rd., Winfield, IL.