Amaryllis - Garden Basics - Flower - Bulb
(Hippeastrum)
Description
These handsome, bold plants have large, showy, lilylike flowers
and long strap-shaped leaves growing directly from the bulb.
The leaves usually apear after the flowers.
Uses
Amaryllis is easily grown outdoors in frost-free regions in
good garden soil and partial sun. They are excellent for forcing
and make elegant pot plants for home or greenhouse. These plants
are easy to grow indoors, even for the novice, and can live
indoors year-round as long as good soil and periodic feedings
are provided.
Planting
To grow Amaryllis indoors, plant the bulb in a basic potting
mixture with about half the top showing. After the plant blooms,
keep the foliage growing until it yellows, then store the bulb
in the pot for use next year.
Growing
your own seedlings
When a blossom is wide open, transfer
pollen daily with a cotton swab from the stamens to the tip
of the stigma (central greenish structure.) After the seedpod
matures and yellows, open it and sow the seed in a basic potting
mixture, covering it with a dusting of soil. Soak the pot from
the bottom and keep at about 70 degrees until it germinates.
When seedlings are 2 inches high, transfer to individual 2 inch
pots. Feed bi-weekly and provide half a day of sun. Move to
larger pots as necessary. Your seedlings will bloom in about
three years if enough moisture is provided.
