Johnson's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2002
PDF file available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/advice.html#flowers

Amazing Amaryllis   

    Amaryllis is a large, impressive, beautiful flower that accentuates
any home decor. It is available in many different colors, including
pink, red, salmon, orange and white. Though it may be large, it is one
of the easiest of all bulbs to grow and is almost foolproof. And by
following a few easy steps, you can bring the wonderful blooms back for
more than just a year. Amaryllis bulbs vary in size. As a rule, larger
bulbs produce more stems and flowers. Amaryllis needs no precooling and
can be started right after you purchase the bulb. If the bulb cannot be
planted immediately after purchase, store it in a cool area of about 50
degrees F.

    Before planting, place the bulb and its dangling roots in lukewarm
water for several hours. This is a good prep for planting. Plant
amaryllis in a pot slightly larger than the diameter of the bulb. About
one third of the bulb should rise above the rim of the pot. Do not fill
the pot with too much potting soil, but leave enough room for watering.
Be careful not to damage the roots. Press firmly on the soil around the
bulb to be sure it is steady. In the first few weeks, water sparingly,
until the bud and part of the stem have developed sufficiently. Direct
sunlight will help the plant grow properly. When the green sprouts begin
to show, more water may be added periodically.

    The amaryllis grows quite fast. Sometimes, it seems as though you
can sit and watch it grow. It grows faster in warm room temperatures and
from the additional warmth of direct sunlight. When it finally blooms,
the spectacular flowers last for two weeks.

    After blooming, the stem may be cut close to the bulb. Replacing the
stem will be long, thin leaves. Keep the plant in a sunny window.
Continue to water and fertilize your amaryllis with ferti-lome Geranium,
Hanging Basket & Pansy Food (20-20-20) water soluble plant food to
produce large, colorful blossoms next winter. In spring, set it outside
in the shade. By late summer, stop watering completely and the leaves
will slowly die away. By October, the bulb should be placed in a cool,
dark place. After its dormant stage of 6 weeks, the bulb may be placed
in sunlight. Start watering your amaryllis as instructed above and in a
few short weeks, the blooming cycle will start again.

    How long it will take before the bulb starts flowering depends on
several factors. On the average, 4 to 8 weeks pass from potting to
flowering. With this in mind, you can time eyecatching blooms to
coincide with special occasions.