| I received 'Phoenix', 'Susan' & other Bulbs from my children. They bloomed Christmas one year ago. What need I do to make them bloom again? |
| In most regions of the United States, amaryllis must be grown as potted plants in the home or greenhouse. However, in Florida they are grown outdoors all year and make excellent garden plants. Plant amaryllis bulbs anytime between September and January. Amaryllis does best in light shade such as under pine trees. In heavy shade, they will be thin and spindly and flower poorly. Amaryllis requires well-drained soils. If the site does not drain properly, create a raised bed to provide improved drainage. Till the soil and amend with a 3- to 4-inch layer of organic matter such as peat or compost and 2 to 3 pounds of 6-6-6, or an equivalent amount of other complete fertilizer per 100 square feet of bed. Slow-release forms of mineral or organic fertilizer are best to minimize leaching of nutrients into water resources. The amended soil should be leveled and moistened. Once the site has been prepared, place the bulbs over the bed area in neat rows or in naturalistic drifts for an informal garden effect. Plant the bulbs 12 to 15 inches apart with the neck of the bulb protruding above the ground. Water newly planted amaryllis and keep them moist but not waterlogged until the plants are well-established. Provided with good conditions and care, amaryllis plants will produce beautiful blooms year after year. The bulbs may be left in the ground for several years or dug and reset every September or October. It is not necessary to dig, separate, and replant each year, but doing so will encourage uniform flowering and larger blooms. Digging also provides an opportunity to discard unhealthy bulbs, to remove young offsets (bulblets) and to amend the bed with organic matter. Remove dead blooms before seeds are produced. If not, flowering the following season will be greatly reduced. Removing dead blooms also helps to maintain the aesthetic value of the planting and may prevent disease problems. |
