January 3, 2001
Stillwater Gazette
Betsy Halden

Care for the admirable amaryllis

Several weeks ago I saw a display of big beautiful amaryllis bulbs in one our local flower shops. I bought two. My husband took one to his office and I placed the second bulb in the sunshine in my kitchen. Each morning I look at the green shoots to see how much new growth has appeared. Amaryllis bulbs show results during winter days. Children and adults enjoy watching the stalks shoot up. Families can have fun measuring and graphing the new growth of the plants. If you were to plant more than one plant you could have an amaryllis race to see which plant would bloom first. If you were to plant a bulb now you could enjoy it around Valentine’s Day. Here are some tips for caring for an amaryllis.

Amaryllis (Hippeastrum large-flowered hybrid) is a great plant for indoor gardeners – especially those who prefer something eye-catching. These amazing bulbs are larger-than-life in every way. They will produce four enormous, brilliantly colored lily-like flowers on a single thick flower stalk. The blossoms, as large as 8 to 10 inches in diameter, are bold, in spectacular hues of red, white, orange, pink, or intriguing striped combinations. They develop so rapidly it’s almost possible to see them grow. Flowers will last for approximately three weeks.

Often as large as a grapefruit, the bulbs take about a month to bloom. To plant them use a standard pot two inches larger than the bulb’s diameter, to allow for a one-inch soil margin between bulb and pot. Line the bottom with ½ inch of gravel topped by ½ inch of potting soil.

To insert bulb, hold it while firming soil around the roots so that the upper two thirds remains above the final soil level. Water thoroughly and allow the water to drain. Do not water again until growth begins unless soil is exceptionally dry. Provide warm temperatures, 60 degrees at night, and 70 degrees during the day. A minimum of four hours of direct sunlight is required until flowers bloom. Then remove pot from direct sun to prolong the length of bloom.

These bulbs can last for many years with proper care. Place in full sun after bloom. Keep soil moist and apply a complete fertilizer every month through spring and summer. When foliage begins to yellow and die back, reduce water and omit fertilizer.

About one month before new blooms are desired, cut back the old foliage to within ¾ inch of the bulb. Replace the old soil around the base of the bulb, while leaving roots intact. Then continue pre-bloom care as described above. Every three to four years, re-pot into larger containers.

Betsy Halden is a Master Gardener with the University of Minnesota Extension Service. University of Minnesota Extension Service materials were consulted in the preparation of this column. You can reach Betsy Halden at eahalden@comcast.net