Fantastic Christmas Amaryllis

Re-flowering
In early fall, the leaves may start to turn yellow and wither as the temperatures fall. You can also dig the bulb earlier if you want, and the bulb should under all circumstances be protected from frost. Dig the bulb, or turn the pot on it's side so no water reaches the bulb. Let the plant go dormant (turn yellow and wither). Do not cut foliage before it is crisp and brown. The outer scales will dry and turn papery brown, too. Don't worry about this, this is normal.

It is not uncommon for the bulb to be significantly larger at the end of summer. I buy bulbs which are 22-24 cms in circumfence in late fall, and one year later I harvest bulbs which are 34-37 cms in circumfence. This 50% increase in size is actually equal to a doubling of the stored energy which give more flowers the following season. The amount of leaves produced also determine the flower power. The production of 3-4 leaves is generally required for the formation of one flower scape. 12-15 leaves produced in a season can result in 3-4 flower scapes being produced.

The larger bulb shown above (and on the photo below) was grown outdoors for 9 months, harvested and allowed to rest for 3 months. It then produced 2 flower stems with 4 flowers each.

A long way comming
It may be interesting to know that a flower takes about 18 months from initiating until flowering. This means that in fall there are actually two sets of flowers inside the bulb. The flowers which will appear next have been produced 18 months earlier. Inside the bulb is also the most current flowers formed during its most current growing period, which will only grow and bloom next year. If for some reason, the plant should fail to flower one year, do not discard the bulb. Keep it for at least one more season to make sure.

Key Points To Consider

• Buy as large bulbs as you can find. Leaves and flower scapes showing at the nose of the bulb are acceptable if they are no longer than a few inches. Avoid buying bulbs where leaves or stem has grown in the box.
• The amaryllis does not need a dormancy period and vernatilization
  The copyright of the article Fantastic Christmas Amaryllis in Home Lawncare is owned by Kenneth Joergensen. Permission to republish Fantastic Christmas Amaryllis in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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