Amaryllis

The Amaryllis (botanically: Hippeastrum) is a flowering bulb that is easy to force into bloom. The bulbs we sell are grown in Dutch greenhouses. After they are harvested in August the bulbs are stored at the right temperature, allowing the flower buds within the bulb to develop in an optimal way. By the time you buy them, the bulbs are ready to bloom.

Bulbs should be planted in pots at least 5cm wider than the diameter of the bulb. Almost any planting medium will do as long as it allows good drainage. Plant your bulb with about two-thirds covered in the earth. Thus planted, the neck of the bulb still shows above ground. After this, give the pot a warm spot indoors. Keep the soil moist to the touch, just as you would with most other plants. Depending on the variety and time of year, the bulb usually blooms within six to eight weeks. The Amaryllis is native to South America. They are tropical plants and prefer warm conditions. In a cooler location – hallway, porch, a cold kitchen window - bulbs will flower also but they will need more time and the quality of the flowers might not be as good.

 

On Glass       
Our Amaryllis bulbs can also bloom on water, without any soil or fertilizer. For this you will need a suitable glass vase that will hold the bulb tight while allowing the roots to reach the water. Clean the roots well before placing the bulb on the glass. After some time the water might change colour a little. No problem: just renew the water, rinse the roots again and place the bulb back. After this the water will usually stay clean.

 

After the Bloom
We promise you beautiful flowers the first season. Bloom in subsequent years, however, cannot be guaranteed. If you want to make your bulb flower again, these general rules should be followed. After bloom cut the flower stems and let the leaves develop further. Give the pot a sunny location. Continue to water and occasionally feed with a general houseplant fertilizer. By September stop watering. Late October the pots are best placed to rest in a cool but frost-free place. Do not cut the green leaves, remove only the wilted ones. After about eight to ten weeks, the pots can again be given water and placed in a warm sunny spot. Repeat last year’s treatment. Re-pot bulbs only when necessary, disturbing the roots as little as possible.