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| Courtesy Home Depot |
Amaryllis - another fun bulb to have blooming during the Holidays.
Amaryllis, freesia, and paperwhite narcissus are three bulbs that don’t need to go through a chilling process to bloom. When growing amaryllis from bulbs, select large and healthy bulbs – the larger bulbs will produce more stalks and larger blooms. The bulbs should be firm and dry with no signs of mold, decay or injury.
Bulbs in soil:
Plant the amaryllis bulbs in containers that have a hole for drainage and are deep enough to allow for good root development. Select a container that has a diameter about 1-2 inches larger than that of the bulb. This may seem small, but amaryllis bulbs prefer a smaller container. Select a potting medium that has a high organic matter and drains well. The bulb should be planted so that one half of the bulb is above the surface of the potting medium.
Plant the amaryllis bulbs in containers that have a hole for drainage and are deep enough to allow for good root development. Select a container that has a diameter about 1-2 inches larger than that of the bulb. This may seem small, but amaryllis bulbs prefer a smaller container. Select a potting medium that has a high organic matter and drains well. The bulb should be planted so that one half of the bulb is above the surface of the potting medium.
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| Courtesy Cornell Cooperative Extension |
Bulbs that are Waxed:
Waxed amaryllis bulbs are a newer trend. When the bulbs are waxed, the roots are removed a wire is inserted in the bottom to add stability. Then it is sealed in wax - and since it is sealed in wax, it doesn’t need to be watered or placed in soil. Just enjoy the blooms.
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| Courtesy Holland Bulb Farms |
Bulbs in Water:
You can also grow the amaryllis bulbs in just water. Choose a vase – not too big around, and around 6 (+/-) inches tall, or you can get a vase especially designed for bulbs. Add pebbles (or glass marbles, etc.) not only for decoration, but to help stabilize the bulb. Trim off any dead roots, place in vase and slowly add your decorative rock. You don’t want your bulb actually touching/sitting in the water. Water as needed.
You can also grow the amaryllis bulbs in just water. Choose a vase – not too big around, and around 6 (+/-) inches tall, or you can get a vase especially designed for bulbs. Add pebbles (or glass marbles, etc.) not only for decoration, but to help stabilize the bulb. Trim off any dead roots, place in vase and slowly add your decorative rock. You don’t want your bulb actually touching/sitting in the water. Water as needed.
See also:
https://tinyurl.com/amaryllis-in-water
Fun Fact... To keep the stems 1/3 shorter:
https://tinyurl.com/amaryllis-in-water
Fun Fact... To keep the stems 1/3 shorter:
1. start bulbs in plain water
2. when roots have formed and the stems are 1-2 inches tall
3. drain the water and replace it with a solution of 1-part hard liquor (gin, vodka, etc.) to 7 parts water.
Nothing will be affected except the stem heights.
Using Liquor: https://blogs.cornell.edu/hort/2009/11/10/picklin...
Using Liquor: https://blogs.cornell.edu/hort/2009/11/10/picklin...
For more on Amaryllis:
CSU: https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/houseplants/1303-amaryllis/
CSU: https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/houseplants/1303-amaryllis/
Cornell Cooperative Extension: https://warren.cce.cornell.edu/gardening-landscape/warren-county-master-gardener-articles/forcing-bulbs-indoors