Birds & Blooms

I would like to grow amaryllis year-round without the fall resting time. What are the light, water and fertilizer requiremen­ts?

- Caryl Baetjer UNIONVILLE, PENNSYLVAN­IA

If you ask several gardeners this question you will likely receive several different recommenda­tions for re-blooming amaryllis. Most do involve a rest period. Here’s what I suggest. Remove the flower stalk once the flowers fade and add a flowering plant fertilizer. Move the plants outdoors in summer for best results (a sunny window works, too). During the warmer months, amaryllis plants generate the energy needed for new growth and flowers. In the winter, move it to a slightly cooler, brightly lit location. At this point, your plant likely has just a few leaves, so water sparingly. If you are lucky, new flower stalks appear in January or February. The key is finding a method that works best for you, your growing conditions and the plant.

Melinda:

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