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Amaryllis are often called the "Tulips of the South" and are versatile bulbs for our area. They may be potted inside for forcing and with little effort brought back year after year. They will naturalize and bloom every year outdoors.
Forcing Amaryllis
Plant pots for forcing six to eight weeks before desired blooming. Choose a heavy pot 1" - 2" larger in diameter than the bulb. If the pot is of clay, soak it in water overnight. Also, soak the roots in water for several hours prior to planting. Mound soil in center of pot. Arrange moistened roots over the mound. Firmly fill with soil, leaving 1/3 of bulb above soil line. Water thoroughly and place in a bright room. Keep moist, not wet. When flower stalks appear, rotate 1/4 turn each day so stalks will grow straight. Stake the stem if necessary when blooms appear, and move plant to a cool, not too sunny place. Water while plant is blooming, but do not fertilize, nor wet foliage. To prepare for next season, remove flower scapes but not leaves after the blooming period. Feed 1/2 strength water soluble fertilizer weekly. Place pots outdoors in filtered light, watering and fertilizing through the summer. Gradually stop in September. Turn pot on its side or bring inside to keep dry. When foliage has yellowed and dried, cut to 1" above bulb. Store in a cool, dry, dark place for a minimum of eight weeks. Repeat process the next season.
Planting Amaryllis Outdoors - Reviving
When weather warms, plant bulbs about 12" apart in a well-drained location with rich soil barely covering the top. Water and feed during summer. Plants will go dormant in the winter. When growth begins in the spring, fertilize with a 5-10-10 mixture. Excess nitrogen promotes vegetative growth, reducing flowering. Plants will bloom in the spring and naturalize in your garden. Divide every 3-4 years in the fall.
Hippeastrum (Amaryllis) - Varieties Available in 2008. All will be sold at the Bulb & Plant Mart and all are included in the Pre-Order.
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