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Plant Amaryllis between October
and May for flowering between December and June.
If you do not plant your
bulb immediately, store it in a cool area (50°F.)
Before planting, place the
bulb and its dangling roots in lukewarm water for several
hours. Plant the Amaryllis in a pot slightly larger than the
diameter of the bulb. Use nutritious potting soil or compost,
and cover the bulb up to the neck. Press the soil firmly around
the bulb. Do not fill the pot with too much soil; leave enough
room for watering.
In the first few weeks,
water sparingly. After the leaves and bud develop, water more
frequently. Direct sunlight and warm temperatures encourage
proper growth. Amaryllis generally blooms 6 to 8 weeks after
planting; the flowers last about 2 weeks.
Cut the stem close to the
bulb after the flower fades. The long thin leaves will continue
to grow. In mid to late summer, stop watering and let the
leaves die back. By September or October, place the bulb in
a cool dark place for 8 to 12 weeks to simulate dormancy.
Bring the bulb back to room
temperature, begin watering, and its flowering cycle will
begin again.
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