Hi all, enjoying some fresh snow and watching the birds eat. I am hoping for some advice on amarylis bulbs. Have had them for many many years. I rarely can kept them going and bloom a second year. I have bought cheap ones and pricey ones. I have even tried putting them in the ground for the summer for growth. (Michigan) and I got a bloom stalk in the middle of the summer. This year I could not resist getting some. I got 3 of the standards, for 6.00 each that’s a lot of bloom. 2 are left blooming and I am already thinking about how to get them to bloom again. I know not to put them in a bigger pot. I have an attached garage where I have stored them also a cold front closet which is a little warmer. I normally shake off the dirt and bag them. Should I just keep them in the pot? Fertilizer when and how often? Any advice appreciated. Also when is best (earliest) to dry them out and make them go dormant. Not crazy about having a bunch of green plants around inside and no blooms. Thanks! Plus Wishing you all a Merry Christmas. Those of you still gardening are very fortunate indeed!
“Not crazy about having a bunch of green plants around inside and no blooms.”
This is part of the problem. After the Amaryllis blooms, the greens are what put the energy back into the bulb for the next bloom cycle.
So, after these bloom, you’re going to have to live with just the greens inside until you can put them outside in a dappled-shade spot for the summer. I’d also leave them in the pot, but give them fresh soil when you bring them in again before frost.
So, if that really makes you crazy, then just buy the el cheap-o’s, enjoy the blooms, then compost the bulbs and get on with life. ;)
My ‘Marilyn’ amaryllis arrived and the Picotee is supposed to be here next week.
You’ll be proud to know that I’m getting a bloom spike on my newest Orchid! This is the ‘mini’ Amanda gave me for Mother’s Day, BUT it’s pretty much just growing up to be a regular sized orchid, which I was hoping was the case. Phalaenopsis.