Hi folks - we had some feedback from Darlene that articles were her preferred method for information.  As she so kindly pointed out - not everyone can see videos easily.  So in the future, we’ll do our best to have articles about the topics we’re taping.  Here’s a short piece on Amaryllis, so you too can join us in the fun at home!

I’m sure you’ve all seen these little boxes of Amaryllis bulbs at the grocery store and the nursery and wondered whether they were worth the bother.  Well, one word:  Yes! 

So, first step is to chose the Amaryllis that appeals to you most.  Open the box to make sure the bulb is nice and firm.  It should feel like an onion when you poke it.  If it has started to sprout - terrific.  If it is trying to escape from the box (with a stem bigger than 2.5cm or 1″), choose another.

While the pot that is included is perfectly fine, you’ll be happier with a clay pot, or at least one that is heavier than the one that is supplied.  Amaryllis are top-heavy, so you’ll want a sturdy pot.

I get my Amaryllis wholesale.  Here are a bunch just ready to be planted.

Here’s my method for growing Amaryllis:

1.  Soak the roots in water for a couple of hours. 

2.  Put soilless mix in the bottom of the pot.

3.  Add the Amaryllis bulb.

4.  Fill to the shoulders of the bulb.

5.  Water.

6.  When bulb begins to grow, water just so the soil stays barely moist.

Moving along, these are this year’s bulbs - Papillio - you’ll notice they are smaller and I’ve put three in a pot.  They are growing well, but I’m concerned I may have a problem with the stems of blossoms falling over.  Here’s a trick that I learned from a flower shop in the neighbourhood:

Insert 3 dogwood twigs around the edge of the pot.  The Amaryllis will grow into and through the twigs for support.

Layer moss on top of the soil - not necessary - but if you don’t like to look at the soil - it’s a little more attractive.

Now - here’s something that really isn’t necessary, but does look pretty.  Take dried hydrangea blossoms and scatter them on the moss.

To water, just pull away a corner of the moss.

And, here it sits today - right next to me in my office keeping me company.  (Yes, there are Amaryllis on my office curtains.)  I’ll post progress photos so you can see how beautiful they are when they begin to bloom. 

By the way, if you do want to see Helen and I planting amaryllis on video, Here’s the link.