Brighten winter windowsills
These giant amaryllis bulbs with their enormous, showy blooms are unbeatable for bringing winter cheer into our homes, says Marc Rosenberg
Don’t think that amaryllis is just a Christmas flower – if you plant a succession of bulbs from October until the end of January you’ll be rewarded with blooms beyond Easter. Too many gardeners treat amaryllis as a one-hit wonder, disposing of the bulb after flowering. But if you buy the biggest, fattest bulbs that your budget can stretch to, you’ll be rewarded with two or three flower spikes and, with care, bulbs can be brought back into flower next year. Follow our guide to guarantee a spectacular display that’ll brighten up the dark days of winter.
BUY THE BEST BULBS
Try mail-order suppliers for the best choice of bulbs as there is a vast array of colours and styles. If buying in-store, check bulbs are firm and free of rot and avoid amaryllis gift packs – they look pretty, but bulbs can be smaller because you’re paying for a pot, compost and fancy packaging. Plant bulbs immediately or store them in a cool place.
PLANTING AND GROWING TIPS
Amaryllis flower six to ten weeks after planting. Choose a pot slightly larger than the bulb and fill with multi-purpose compost or John Innes No2. The top third of the bulb should remain above the compost. Place pots in a bright spot at 20°C (68°F) or warmer and water lightly, from the top, until the bulb comes into growth. Increase watering when leaves and flower stalks are growing.
As flower stalks develop, turn the pot to avoid stems bending towards the light. Amaryllis in flower can become top-heavy, so stake stems to prevent them from snapping or plants from toppling. Move plants to a cooler place as buds open: a temperature of 16°C-18°C (61°-65°F) is ideal.
LOOKING AFTER YOUR BULB
After flowering, cut the flower stalk away as close to the base as possible, but keep the plant in a warm, light place as further flower stalks may emerge. Allow the leaves to grow and feed weekly with a liquid fertiliser. Pots can be placed outdoors over summer, shielded from sunlight, and watered regularly. Bring pots indoors in September and place in a cool, light position at around 13°C (55°F) for a couple of months, watering sparingly so the bulb becomes semi-dormant. By midNovember, cut old leaves to within 4in (10cm) from the bulb’s neck, renew the top two inches of compost and grow-on in a warm location.
■ Marc writes for Garden News magazine which is packed full of tips, inspiration, plant and product news and great moneysaving offers in every issue! On sale every Tuesday, or subscribe for just
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