This time of year, large Amaryllis bulbs are available at your local garden centers. Although marketed as Amaryllis, they are actually Hippeastrum bulbs. To plant indoors, the following directions will make sure its large, trumpet-shaped blooms will flower within 6-12 weeks:-
Gather supplies: (1) 6-inch pot with drainage holes; sterile potting soil; liquid organic fertilizer such as kelp; sturdy plant stake if needed; heating pad for seedlings - Use a pot that is approximately 1-inch in diameter larger than the bulb
- Cover ¾ of the bulb with soil, allowing ¼ of the bulb to remain above the level of the soil
- Tamp the soil firmly around the bulb
- Water lightly, fertilize with liquid kelp or other liquid organic food and place in an area that receives direct sunlight and remains at room temperature (a heating pad for seedlings to give bottom heat may help the amaryllis to break out of its dormancy)
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Increase watering as the flowering bud begins to open - Stake the blooming stem to prevent it from toppling over
- Deadhead the blooms immediately after flowering and allow the stalks to yellow completely.
- Stop watering in mid-summer and water the plant again by mid-October to begin the process all over again.
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