Growing Amaryllis
Host: Joanna Coles, Warren County Extension Agent for Agriculture & Natural Resources Guest: Kristin Hildabrand, Warren County Extension Agent for Horticulture Topic: Growing Amaryllis Amaryllis bulbs come in various sizes. Whether purchasing a bare bulb to plant or bulbs planted in a pot, the size and condition of bulbs will influence amaryllis performance. Select the largest bulbs available for the desired plant variety as they will produce more stalks and blooms in the first year. The larger the bulb, the more flowers it will have. Bulbs should be firm and dry with no signs of mold, decay, or injury. It is common to see new growth (leaves, buds) emerging from bare or planted bulbs. Choose bulbs with bright new green growth and without spots or visible damage. Some bulbs may have an offshoot growing from their base. This will eventually grow into a new bulb and can be removed and planted separately. Amaryllis grow best in narrow containers. Containers may be made of plastic, metal, ceramic, or terracotta. Bulbs should be firm and dry with no signs of mold, decay, or injury. Select a container that has one or more holes in the bottom and drains easily. Good drainage will minimize the chance of bulb or root rot (rotting from excess moisture). The diameter of the pot should be about 1 inch wider than the widest part of the bulb and twice as tall as the bulb to allow space for good root development. Fill the pot about half full of sterile, new potting soil high in organic matter such as peat moss. Set the bulb in the pot so the roots rest on the potting soil. The bulb should sit up above the edge of the container. Add more soil, tapping it down around the bulb, until one-third to one-half of the bulb remains visible. Firm the potting medium around the bulb. Set the pot in a sink where it can drain freely and water until the potting soil is thoroughly moist. Allow it to drain completely. Set the pot on a saucer and place in a sunny window. Water the plant when the top 2 inches of soil feels dry, allowing the container to drain freely each time. Source: University of Minnesota Extension
Host: Joanna Coles, Warren County Extension Agent for Agriculture & Natural Resources Guest: Kristin Hildabrand, Warren County Extension Agent for Horticulture Topic: Growing Amaryllis Amaryllis bulbs come in various sizes. Whether purchasing a bare bulb to plant or bulbs planted in a pot, the size and condition of bulbs will influence amaryllis performance. Select the largest bulbs available for the desired plant variety as they will produce more stalks and blooms in the first year. The larger the bulb, the more flowers it will have. Bulbs should be firm and dry with no signs of mold, decay, or injury. It is common to see new growth (leaves, buds) emerging from bare or planted bulbs. Choose bulbs with bright new green growth and without spots or visible damage. Some bulbs may have an offshoot growing from their base. This will eventually grow into a new bulb and can be removed and planted separately. Amaryllis grow best in narrow containers. Containers may be made of plastic, metal, ceramic, or terracotta. Bulbs should be firm and dry with no signs of mold, decay, or injury. Select a container that has one or more holes in the bottom and drains easily. Good drainage will minimize the chance of bulb or root rot (rotting from excess moisture). The diameter of the pot should be about 1 inch wider than the widest part of the bulb and twice as tall as the bulb to allow space for good root development. Fill the pot about half full of sterile, new potting soil high in organic matter such as peat moss. Set the bulb in the pot so the roots rest on the potting soil. The bulb should sit up above the edge of the container. Add more soil, tapping it down around the bulb, until one-third to one-half of the bulb remains visible. Firm the potting medium around the bulb. Set the pot in a sink where it can drain freely and water until the potting soil is thoroughly moist. Allow it to drain completely. Set the pot on a saucer and place in a sunny window. Water the plant when the top 2 inches of soil feels dry, allowing the container to drain freely each time. Source: University of Minnesota Extension