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Amaryllis are a beautiful fall-blooming bulb that are ideal for growing in warm climates. These colorful, rocket-like flowers in the fall are a stunning display of 6-12 funnel-shaped blooms on sturdy 2-3 foot stems that grow from leafless bulbs. Flower colors range from pale pink to deep magenta to pure white. Large, strap-like leaves follow the flowers in the fall and do not die back until late spring. The large bulbs then go dormant, basking in the summer sun without water, before blooming again the following fall.
Amaryllis are beautiful flowers and plants that can be grown in many parts of the world. Amaryllis plants are easy to care for, but there are a few things you should know to keep your amaryllis healthy and lush. One of the most important things you should do when caring for your amaryllis is to water it regularly. Be sure to water it well and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
How to Grow and Care for Amaryllis
Use a fast-draining, medium-weight soil with enough sand to provide a solid anchor for mature plants.
Water only when the soil feels dry.
Choose a sunny, well-drained location
In mid-November, add a little new soil and begin watering again
How to Make Your Own Amaryllis Bulb Soil
Amaryllis requires bright, direct sunlight for best results, but can tolerate partial sun. Amaryllis bulbs are drought tolerant but grow best in well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. If your soil is sandy, omit the sand and add a portion of well-rotted compost for nutrients.
How to Select Amaryllis Bulbs
Amaryllis bulbs are easy to grow indoors and just as easy to grow in the garden. They can be grown from bulbs and require large bulbs for early blooming. If you plant small bulbs, they will take longer to bloom.
When to Bloom
Amaryllis bloom from March to June, so you will want to plan for December to January.
Water well, keep the soil moist, and avoid wetting the tops of the bulbs
The top 2 inches of soil should be kept moist for proper growth. To maintain about 2 inches of moisture for healthy bulbs, the soil should be well-drained and moist, but not waterlogged.
Soil
Amaryllis require well-drained soil, although most gardens with poor soil can be adapted by adding aged or composted organic material before planting. A slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6 and 6.5 is preferred. Don’t worry, testing and adjusting your soil’s pH is easy.
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