16 | Holiday 2021
How to Grow and Care for Amaryllis AN EASYGOING HOUSEPLANT THAT WILL BRIGHTEN THE DARK WINTER MONTHS MARK ANDERSON
owner, Anderson’s Seed and Garden
It is nearly impossible to see an amaryllis in full bloom without admiring its huge flowers and bright colors. They can bloom for several weeks during the otherwise dreary winter months — usually just in time for the holidays. They don't need much of your attention either: All you have to do is provide a little water and a warm, brightly lit spot, and they will become beautiful showstoppers in just a few weeks. Regularly, I hear from gardeners who received a bulb as a gift for the holidays, and they exclaim emphatically that it is the best gift they received all year. Hint: they make great gifts! The size of the bulb directly relates to
the size of the flowers and the quantity of flowers they can produce. Purchase as large of bulbs as you possibly can, you will not be disappointed. A 26-30 cm.-circumference Amaryllis bulb will usually produce 1 or 2 flower stems with 3 or 4 flowers per stem. A 34 cm.-an-up-circumference Amaryllis bulb will usually produce 2 or 3 flower stems with 3 or 4 flowers per stem, and sometimes 6. The largest bulbs, 40+ cm., regularly send up 3 or 4 stems with 4 to 6 flowers each. It’s not unusual for a 40+ cm. bulb to have 18-22 massive flowers. Don’t skimp on size. When planting, use a container that is one to two inches larger in diameter than the
circumference of the bulb. Containers can be clay, ceramic, metal, or plastic, and must have drainage in the bottom. Plant the bulb with about one-third to one-half of the bulb exposed above the soil. This helps reduce red blotch infection and other fungal diseases. Plant in a well-drained, sterilized soil medium like Ferti-lome Ultimate Potting Mix. Immediately after planting, thoroughly water the bulb. Water once a week to keep the bulb in slightly moist soil condition until flowering. When flowering starts, increase the frequency of watering to twice a week. The sun-loving amaryllis grows best indoors
Bring the Outside In This Winter! Get your Amaryllis bulb three ways: • Bulbs (2 sizes available, 26-34 cm and 40+ cm) • Potted in a plastic pot • Potted and wrapped with foil and a bow (makes for a beautiful gift!) 69 West Center • Logan, Utah • 435-752-2345
20 VARIETIES TO CHOOSE FROM!
