Growing Amaryllis Hippeastrum In Kentucky

Dennis Morgeson Agent for Horticulture

Washington County

Amaryllis • Amaryllis are a small genus of

flowering bulbs native to South Africa and South America; Hippeastrum native to South America are generally sold as amaryllis however both are in the family Amaryllidacea

• Common names for the South African amaryllis include belladonna lily, naked ladies, and resurrection lily. Generally the South American versions are just called Amaryllis.

• Both are Popular because they can bloom indoors during any particular season.

Amaryllis or Belladonna

• Most Amaryllis from Africa are hardy to zone 7b with a few hardy to zone 3

• Hippeastrum are from tropical origins and not cold hardy (we will concentrate on these)

• The amaryllis known as naked ladies are treated as fall planted bulbs and will not be concentrated on in this talk

Culture • Can be potted or repotted

anytime after the plants have gone through a dormant or rest period (Late November is a good time)

• Plant in containers that are only slightly larger than the bulb (they prefer to be root bound)

• Be sure to have drainage holes in the pots!

Culture

• Plant amaryllis with about a third to half the bulb out of the soil (this keeps the nose of the bulb dry reducing fungal diseases)

• Soil medium should be a high quality sterilized potting soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5 (equal parts peat and perlite is excellent)

Light and Temperature

• Amaryllis are sun loving and will grow best indoors in a sunny window facing west or south (at least 4 hours of direct sun is best)

• Temperatures should be 70-75 for good root development

• Once flowers start to open 65 degrees will help prolong flower life

Water

• Water thoroughly after planting, keep it slightly moist until flowering

• Generally once per week is adequate but don’t let it become dry while flowering

Fertilization

• DO NOT FERTILIZE A BULB WITH NO LEAVES!

• Once leaves are growing fertilize the bulb twice per month with any all purpose water soluble plant food

Care After Flowering

• Keep plants actively growing after they finish blooming, cut off flower stalk just above the bulb

• It is essential that you keep your amaryllis actively growing (this makes the bulb bigger and increases flower number and size)

• Continue growing the amaryllis for 8-10 months (you can acclimate them in the spring slowly and allow them to grow outdoors for the warm season, partly shady location is best)

Reflowering • Stop watering and fertilizing

the bulb, the leaves will gradually turn yellow and brown over several weeks

• Leave dormant for 8-10 weeks (includes the time you stopped watering)

• After this dormant time you can repot the bulb begin watering and begin the flowering process again! Just that easy!

Tips

• Rotate the bulb daily as it is growing to keep it from bending towards the light

• A small stake and string will help keep the flower stalk upright and from falling over

• Heavy pots work best! Amaryllis grown in plastic pots become top heavy and fall over easily!

Design Vera

Variety

Variety

Questions?

Reminder: Thursday Evening November 21, at 6:00 P.M.

“Landscape Plants for Holiday Decoration”