Description
Big, bold and beautiful, the amaryllis is one of the most striking of all plants. Though amaryllis are native to moderate climates in places like Peru and South Africa, for decades Dutch hybridizers have made it possible for us to enjoy these beauties indoors. Typically, we purchase bulbs to take home and grow in pots. The bulbs we buy here in North America are imported from Holland where they have been kept at a temperature of 13° C (55° F) for several weeks. This period in cold storage “tricks” the amaryllis and turns their genetic clock ahead. All we have to do is provide the right conditions to start the blooming process.
When it comes to buying amaryllis bulbs, big is definitely better. Magnificent trumpet-shaped blooms are perched on tall 50-cm (20-inch) stems. The bigger the bulb, the larger and more numerous the blooms will be. Usually one stalk has four flowers. Bulbs with a circumference of 20 to 24 cm often produce two stalks. Larger bulbs, over 28 cm, can produce three floral stalks.
How to Grow
Light
Provide bright light during the active growing period.
Temperature
Keep cool, 13-21° C (55-70° F) during the blooming period. After the blooms fade give them a warmer temperature 21-29° C (70-85° F).
Fertilizer
Feed with an all-purpose (20-20-20) fertilizer every 2 weeks.
Watering Needs
Keep the soil slightly moist during active growth. Allow the soil to dry out gradually in mid to late summer.
Soil
Any all-purpose potting soil will do. Avoid a soil-less mixture because it is too light to support the heavy bulb and the plant will topple over as it grows larger.
Propagation
The mother bulb may produce offset bulbs. After a couple of seasons you can break them off and plant them individually.
When to Grow
Amaryllis bulbs are available in retailers from fall through winter for bloom 6 to 8 weeks after planting.
Tips:
Getting an amaryllis to rebloom
In late summer allow the plant to dry out gradually. Cut off the leaves and let the bulbs rest in a cool (10° C, 50° F) spot for at least 10 weeks. Do not water during this period. Repot firm, healthy bulbs about 6 to 8 weeks before you want a repeat show of blooms and start watering again.
Recommended Varieties
Single Varieties
- Apple Blossom (white and pink)
- Basuto (fire engine red)
- Beautiful Lady (peach)
- Bolero (deep fuchsia rose)
- Clown (red and white striped)
- Denver (white)
- Fortune (red and white)
- Hercules (magenta)
- Lemon & Lime (pale yellow and pale green)
- Liberty (deep red)
- Milady (pink)
- Minerva (red and white)
- Orange Sovereign (orange)
- Picotee (white with red edges)
- Red Lion (scarlet)
- Summertime (pink and white)
- White Christmas (white)
- Zanzibar (deep orange)
Double Varieties
- Allure (white tipped with red)
- Double Record (salmon and white)
- Jewel (white)
- Lady Jane (orange)
- Red Peacock (red and white)
Miniature Varieties
Miniature varieties are very graceful and have smaller blossoms than their larger cousins. But don't be misled by the word “miniature.” Though the blooms are smaller with longer, more trumpet-shaped blooms than the larger varieties, the stalks are likely to be just as tall. Each bulb typically produces 2 to 3 stalks, though some like ‘Scarlet Baby’ average 3 to 4. What minis lack in flower size, they make up for with a greater number of blooms. Look for these varieties:
- Bianca (white)
- Calimero (red)
- Naughty Lady (red and white striped)
- Pamela (red)
- Scarlet Baby (dark red)