Growing Amaryllis

Botanical Name:

Hippeastrum

Life Cycle:

perennial bulb

Planting Time:

spring or summer

Height:

18" to 24"

Exposure:

sunny window sills; sun to partial shade outdoors

Soil:

rich, well-drained soil

Hardiness:

Bloom Time:

6 to 8 week after planting

Flower:

a wide variety of sensational trumpet-shaped blooms

Foliage:

thick, smooth leafless stems

Propagation:

bulbs

Suggested Use:

accents, usually grown as an annual houseplant

Growing Hints:

Amaryllis couldn't be easier to grow. Most garden and home centers offer them for sale during the winter season when they are commonly grown to bloom for the holidays. Although not necessary, soaking the root end of the bulb in water the night before planting will give it a faster start. Place the potted bulbs in a sunny window sill and keep soil moist (not wet) until blooming. Tall plants may need staking. Continue to water until the leaves start to turn yellow and die back. Cut them down and cease watering for 12 weeks. The plant can be brought out of dormancy again after this rest period, but cheaper bulbs may fail to flower a second time or flower less successfully. High quality amaryllis bulbs can produce many flowers at a time for as long as 75 years.

Interesting Facts:

Originally from South Africa, in the language of flowers, Amaryllis means "splendid beauty" or "pride."