Editor’s Choice: Amaryllis

When our children were young, we established a family tradition of shopping for a live Christmas tree. Also on the list of holiday décor was a wreath for the door, garland for the fireplace mantle, and an amaryllis or two for seasonal indoor color. Naturally, any excursion that concluded with hot chocolate was enough motivation for kids.

It’s an odd thing, this amaryllis bulb. The kids were intrigued with how green leaves and flowers on tall stalks were to grow up and out of what seemed like a dead-looking bulb. Aha, time for a little lesson in horticulture. Yet, as children will be children, one pipes up, “When can we get hot chocolate?” {sigh}

Anyway, with the right container, descent soil, water every now and then, and some sunlight, this curiosity of nature will develop into the most beautiful holiday plant. And of all flowering bulbs, amaryllis are the easiest to bring to bloom.

You can find amaryllis bulbs at local garden centers and hardware stores. Available as a single bulb “in the raw” for you to plant, or you may find some already potted in a container and possibly in bloom. Another option is a boxed kit, which usually includes everything you need – container, soil and bulb. I’ve mailed boxed kits as gifts for out of town friends, or given as hostess and teacher gifts. This is one gift that is always a winner.

Amaryllis bulbs are easy to grow, and fun to watch, as they seem to bloom overnight. They come in assorted beautiful varieties including various shades of red, white, pink, salmon and orange. There are also many striped and multicolored varieties, usually combining shades of pink or red with white. And they say, the bigger the bulb, the more the flowers.

Plant amaryllis bulbs in a nutritious potting compost, many are available pre-mixed, and in a container with drain holes. You don’t want roots sitting in water. Plant the bulb up to its neck, leaving a bit of the shoulders exposed, in the potting compost, being careful not to damage the roots. Press the soil down firmly to set the bulb securely in place after planting. That way, as they grow tall and get top heavy, the plant is less likely to tip over.

Place the potted bulb in a warm spot near direct light since heat is necessary for the development of the stems. Water sparingly until the stem appears, then, as the bud and leaves appear, gradually water more. At this point, the stem will grow rapidly and flowers will develop after it has reached full growth. Remember to turn your plant occasionally, as it will grow towards the light. Bulbs will flower in 7-10 weeks as a general rule.

If you are so inclined, there are methods for putting that bulb to work once flowering has finished. Found on The United States National Arboretum website (www.usna.usda.gov/Gardens/faqs/AmaryllisBloom.html) are complete details to get that bulb to bloom next year. Of course, your local garden center professional can give you instructions as well.

I’m likely to toss it on the compost heap due to the lack space for such a project.

Make the holidays merry and bright with a gorgeous amaryllis – not just for you, for your friends and neighbors too!

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To view images of amaryllis, visit the online version of the December 2016 issue at KCGMAG.com.