Amaryllis are one of gardeners’ favorite bulbs to force indoors in the colder months. Squak Mt. has a fantastic selection of these lovely bulbs to select from today, and planting them could not be easier.
1. Choose a container with a drain hole in the bottom. (Your pot should be about 1″ wider than your bulb)
2. Add 2” of soil to the bottom of the pot and set amaryllis bulb on top, gently spreading the roots out.
3. Fill in soil between the roots and around the bulb, keeping the top 1/3 of the bulb exposed.
4. Water in gently. When the top inch of soil dries out, water your bulb again.
5. Amaryllis is a tropical plant. They love sunlight and heat. Place in a light filled west or south facing window. Having the room at a comfortable 60+ degrees will also help awaken your bulb.
6. Be patient. Most amaryllis begin blooming 6-10 weeks after planting.
7. Fertilize once green growth appears (typically 2-6 weeks after planting). Liquid houseplant food works well. Continue feeding once a month.
(Extra credit)
8. To have your amaryllis bloom again next Christmas, remove faded flowers and keep the leaves.
9. Continue caring for your plant in a sunny window, When summer arrives you may move it outdoors.
10. Force your plant to go dormant. Stop watering and set your potted amaryllis in a cool dark place (50º F) for 8-12 weeks. At the end of its hibernation, bring it back out into the daylight and set in a sunny window.
11. Resume watering and fertilize regularly. Soon you will experience the wonder of your bulb coming back to life again.