Growing Amaryllis Hippeastrum In Kentucky Dennis Morgeson Agent for Horticulture Washington County
Amaryllis Amaryllis are a small genus of flowering bulbs native to South Africa and South America; Hippeastrum native to South America are generally sold as amaryllis however both are in the family Amaryllidacea • Common names for the South African amaryllis include belladonna lily, naked ladies, and resurrection lily. Generally the South American versions are just called Amaryllis. • Both are Popular because they can bloom indoors during any particular season. •
Amaryllis or Belladonna • Most Amaryllis from Africa are hardy to zone 7b with a few hardy to zone 3 • Hippeastrum are from tropical origins and not cold hardy (we will concentrate on these) • The amaryllis known as naked ladies are treated as fall planted bulbs and will not be concentrated on in this talk
Culture • Can be potted or repotted anytime after the plants have gone through a dormant or rest period (Late November is a good time) • Plant in containers that are only slightly larger than the bulb (they prefer to be root bound) • Be sure to have drainage holes in the pots!
Culture • Plant amaryllis with about a third to half the bulb out of the soil (this keeps the nose of the bulb dry reducing fungal diseases) • Soil medium should be a high quality sterilized potting soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5 (equal parts peat and perlite is excellent)
Light and Temperature • Amaryllis are sun loving and will grow best indoors in a sunny window facing west or south (at least 4 hours of direct sun is best) • Temperatures should be 7075 for good root development • Once flowers start to open 65 degrees will help prolong flower life
Water • Water thoroughly after planting, keep it slightly moist until flowering • Generally once per week is adequate but don’t let it become dry while flowering
Fertilization • DO NOT FERTILIZE A BULB WITH NO LEAVES! • Once leaves are growing fertilize the bulb twice per month with any all purpose water soluble plant food
Care After Flowering • Keep plants actively growing after they finish blooming, cut off flower stalk just above the bulb • It is essential that you keep your amaryllis actively growing (this makes the bulb bigger and increases flower number and size) • Continue growing the amaryllis for 8-10 months (you can acclimate them in the spring slowly and allow them to grow outdoors for the warm season, partly shady location is best)
Reflowering • Stop watering and fertilizing the bulb, the leaves will gradually turn yellow and brown over several weeks • Leave dormant for 8-10 weeks (includes the time you stopped watering) • After this dormant time you can repot the bulb begin watering and begin the flowering process again! Just that easy!
Tips • Rotate the bulb daily as it is growing to keep it from bending towards the light • A small stake and string will help keep the flower stalk upright and from falling over • Heavy pots work best! Amaryllis grown in plastic pots become top heavy and fall over easily!
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Questions? Reminder: Thursday Evening November 21, at 6:00 P.M. “Landscape Plants for Holiday Decoration�