| I was given a red Amaryllis as a gift. The plant came from North Carolina. I am planning on putting the plant in my yard. I was wondering if the bulbs are strong enough to survive winter temperatures that are characteristic of this part of the country or should I keep it potted and indoors? |
| Amaryllis are frost-tender plants and will not survive the outdoor temperatures in your cold-winter climate. Keep your Amaryllis in a pot and protect it from cold temperatures. Here are some basic guidelines for coaxing your plant to bloom again: Amaryllis bulbs grow best in bright light at temperatures of 60F - 70F degrees. Plant so only one half of the bulb is buried in the soil. The flower stalk will emerge first, followed by two or more leaves. After flowering, cut off the stalk but allow the leaves to remain. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy. In the spring place the pot outdoors in a shady place. In late summer, when the leaves turn yellow and die, stop watering, bring the plant indoors, and allow it to rest in a cool, dry place for about three months. Around the first of December, repot and bring it into a bright room. Begin watering again and a new flower stalk and new leaves will emerge from the bulbs. When the weather warms in the spring, take it outdoors again to repeat the process. Hope this information helps you keep your Amaryllis blooming for several years! |
