The amaryllis bulb is grown indoors and produces some of the most showiest flowers.

 

The large 20 cm trumpet shaped blooms are found on top of a 45 cm tall stalk with 4-6 blooms per stalk. Flowers come in different colours and styles such as doubles, singles, striped, coloured edges, two colours, and different shades of pink, white, orange and the favourite red.

 

Amaryllis bulbs are planted this time of year so that they will be blooming around Christmas. The bulbs are now available in the garden centre.

 

When choosing an amaryllis bulb, choose it the same way you would pick any bulb. Look for the biggest! The bigger the bulb the bigger and more flowers the bulb will produce. Amaryllis bulbs are sold according to size and the smaller bulbs tend to be less money, but they will produce smaller or fewer  flowers. The bigger bulbs will produce 2-3 times more stems and flowers. A good sized bulb is 34 cm, and a great sized bulb is 40 cm. A 40 cm bulb will give at least 2 and sometimes 3 stems of flowers. Each stem blooms one at a time so you will end up with weeks of enjoyment.

 

When planting an amaryllis bulb choose a pot that is large enough to fit the bulb with an extra 5-6 cm between the bulb and the pot. First place a few rocks in the bottom of the pot for drainage as well as the added bottom weight to help prevent the plant from toppling when it is in flower. Then hold the bulb by the neck of the bulb and let the roots hang down into the pot. Start filling the pot with a good quality indoor potting soil so that when the bulb is planted, the bottom half of the bulb is under the soil with the top half of the bulb above the soil. When the bulb is planted, give it a good watering, allowing any excess water to drain out. Place the planted amaryllis bulb in a warm sunny location. Only give it water when the soil becomes dry. It is best to pour the water on the soil surrounding the bulb, rather then on the bulb itself.

 

 When the bulb begins to produce a small green shoot from the neck the watering is increased, as the bulb will need more moisture now. On average it can take anywhere from 8-10 weeks before the first bloom is ready. You will notice that an amaryllis will reward you with first the flower stalks and then later with the foliage. The foliage is long green strapping leaves.

 

After the bulb has finished blooming remove the finished flowers and allow the green foliage to grow. Treat it the same way you would treat any of your houseplants. In the spring, when all risk of frost has passed (beginning of June) the amaryllis is placed outdoors in a shaded location. Fertilize it monthly with an all purpose 20-20-20 fertilizer, and continue to give it water.

 

By September it is time to bring the Amaryllis indoors and let it have a rest by stopping with the water and fertilizer. The foliage will yellow and is then removed. Place the planted amaryllis bulb in a cool room for the next 8 weeks. After the 8 week rest, the bulb is ready to be taken to a warmer location and then given water. This is when the cycle begins again, making amaryllis a good investment as it will bloom year after year if given the proper treatment.

 

Amaryllis bulbs make a great gift. You could start them now and give them away for Christmas, but make sure that you keep at least one for yourself!