How to Plant an Amaryllis Outside
Amaryllis is a beautiful flower that typically has white blooms with crimson veins. They also bloom in pinks or purples. Each stem produces 2 to 12 funnel-shaped flowers. The green leaves are strap shaped and arranged in two rows. Amaryllis is slow to reproduce. Reproduction occurs with bulb division or seeds. These particular plants do not tolerate tropical or cold climates. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Amaryllis bulb
- Mulch
- Fungicide
- All-purpose flowering plant fertilizer
- Pruning shears
Instructions
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1
Choose a bulb that is free from disease and clean on the outside. Do not purchase one that already has a stem or signs of rot.
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2
Apply fungicide to the bulb prior to planting. This step will lower the chance of flower developing diseases.
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3
Plant the bulb in late September or early October in a flower bed with good soil and drainage. If necessary, an elevated bed may be needed to assure good drainage. If transplanting bulbs older bulbs is done, wait until the foliage begins to turn yellow and droop.
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4
Plant the bulbs approximately 1 foot apart. The tops should barely be covered by the soil. Conserve water and control weeds by mulching the planting
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5
Apply fertilizer when the new growth appears. Use 1 1/2 pounds of low-nitrogen fertilizer for every 100 square feet. When the stem is 6 to 8 inches tall, fertilize again.
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6
Check for red blotches or leaf scorches on the flower frequently. Apply fungicide weekly if red blotches are discovered.
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7
Cut the flower stalk 2 inches from the base when the beauty of the flower begins to fade. Do not cut the leaves as they are needed to provide food for the next seasons flowering. The reason for cutting the flower is to prevent other flowers in the bed from draining food from the amaryllis.
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8
Remove any tiny bulbs that have grown off of the main bulb. These bulbs can be transplanted throughout the garden or left to mature on the mother bulb if you choose.
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Apply a third application of fertilizer immediately after flowering when the old flower heads and flower stems have been removed.
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