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Amaryllis
These easy-to-grow plants produce dazzling blooms. They can be single or double petal and come in an array of colors. Gardeners living in less temperate climates should keep in mind that they’re not cold hardy.
Available colors: White, pink, red, salmon, orange and multicolored.
Light and temperature: While plant is in bloom, keep
in full sun at 64ºF/18ºC. Optimal temperatures are
between 68ºF/20ºC and 77ºF/25ºC.
Soil: Standard well-drained potting soil.
Water and fertilizing: Keep soil evenly moist, but not soggy. Apply water-soluble houseplant fertilizer at half recommended strength every two weeks.
Encouraging reblooming: When flowering is finished, cut off the flower stem just above the bulb nose (the leaves should be left to die back on their own).
| • | Give the amaryllis bright light on a south-facing sunny windowsill or under plant lights. |
| • | Continue to apply a water-soluble balanced fertilizer at half strength every two weeks so that the leaves obtain the required nutrients. In early fall, the leaves will begin to yellow and die back. Remove them approximately two inches above the top of the bulb. This die back is normal, and necessary to replenish the bulb with nutrients before its dormant period. |
| • | Store the cleaned bulbs in a cool (40ºF/4ºC to 50ºF/10ºC), dark place for a minimum of six weeks. |  |
| • | After this duration, the bulbs can be replanted. Plant up to the neck of the bulb in potting soil. Be sure not to damage any roots. Allow at least eight weeks for reblooming. Plant new bulbs every two weeks for continuous blooms throughout the winter. |
Emily Routly
Lee Valley staff
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