Gail sent us a new post:
Happy Lunar New Year!!!! The year of the Ox. I discovered my Chinese birth sign is the Water Dragon. To celebrate I am sharing a post on: What do you want for Christmas Mom?
I responded with How about an Amaryllis……fully expecting a beautiful bloom to brighten the day-but…
to my surprise, not one flower in sight as gifts were placed under the tree. There was a big box with my name on it??? Want to help me open my gift…….???? HINT-see above.
So the big box under the tree with my name on it– held 6 boxesof Amaryllis bulbs. 3 of each color.
To be honest, I have never forced a bulb. So I thought maybe there were others who also lacked in this experience. Follow alongas I navigate the process. Opened the box, taking everything out.
Finding a bulb, rather large.
The growing medium in the shape of a disc, about 1/2 inch thick.
Following the directions, I placed the disc into the pot.
Added Water:
Fluffed with fork.
making a hole for the bulb
Taking the bulb I placed it down into the pot.
covering up to the base of the green leafy portion with the
growing medium.
6 bulbs later
Watering once a week and keeping near a light source (window)which had a heat vent in front of I waited and watched.
It didn’t take long, the box said 8-10 wks but mine closer to 14 days-normal plant time is Nov. with bloom time @ Christmas. SoI was doing it later & some of the bulbs had matured in the box
the first to bloom was a brilliant scarlett red color
one was white with a pink hue
one was a dark pink hue (not pictured on the box)
this one did the best–hosting double stalk with a cluster of 5blooms on each.
Here are the three of them together:
I gave a dark red one away; 2- produced no blooms, only leaves (could return). After blooming, allow dying back. In May plant the bulbs in the garden (won’t the squirrels love these)& fertilize. In September lift the bulbs, cut back the foliage and store them in a cool dry place for 2 months, and then repeat the process again for another season of enjoyment. I found it a fun project, would be great to do with children-would suggest everyone tries it at least once…..PS Caution: Children-no matter what their age, may not listen,
so use care when asking for that Christmas gift…..gk
Monroe County Master Gardener Association 
Great article, pictures and instructions Gail! I am forwarding to Milan Garden Club members as I think we all could learn from this.
thank you – added note: happy I got 6 since 2 did not bloom and while it may have been nice to have the flower at Christmas; my gardener’s soul found these a much needed bright spot during Michigan’s most dreary months of January & February. I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of spring. Take care.g
Excellent article! Good experiment proving that if you have tried amaryllis once and had a bad turnout, you should really try again. That beautiful flower in the coldest part of winter is so worth it!
I have 11 Amaryllis shooting up buds now and still have 10 in the box without signs of life yet. when it gets warm I move them all outside until mid to late sept. I then cut back the leaves and let them dry a bit outside in the shade . I then pack them in a closed box until they start to sow signs of life. As they multiply every year , it is getting hard to track of them I kept them down stairs under grow lights until near flowering and then bring up to windows. I need more windows !!