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Bulbs, Tubers, and Roots
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Amaryllis Bulbs
Forced To Bloom For Christmas
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1. CHOOSING A CONTAINER
A 10" container is sufficient for growing one amaryllis bulb. When planting
more than one bulb, choose a container that will be
deep enough for roots. Allow just enough space so that bulbs are
close together but do not touch.
2. POTTING SOIL
Use Roger's Potting Soil. Hold bulb in the top of the container (see diagram) so that
roots can hang down freely. While holding the bulb in place, fill the container with soil,
making sure that the soil is under and around the bulb. Check to make sure that no air pockets
are under the bulb.
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3. WATERING
When flower bud is well out of the bulb, the amaryllis will need to be watered regularly. The larger the plant
becomes, the more water it will need. When watering, avoid getting the top of the bulb wet. Water when the top 1 or 2
inches of soil is dry.
If they are planted early in August or early September, there is a very good chance they will bloom the following spring. If planted later in the fall, they will probably produce only foliage in the first year and flowers in the fall.
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4. LOCATION
Place your newly potted amaryllis in a warm, shady location (indoors or out) for the first 4 weeks. Once the
flower bud is 6 to 8 inches high, the container can be moved to a
cooler, brighter location (indoors or out).
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5. BLOOMING TIME
Plant bulbs 4 to 6 weeks before your desired bloom time.
For example: plant between November 10th & 15th
for Christmas bloom. If bulbs are purchased long before planting time, keep them chilled in a refrigerator. If
sprouts are growing out of the bulb, plant
immediately. Blossoms last 2 to 3 weeks indoors, 4 to 5 weeks outdoors.
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6. HOW TO SAVE YOUR BULBS FOR THE NEXT YEAR
After blooming, cut off faded flowers and seed pods. Place the container outside in filtered light. Feed one
time with 1 rounded tablespoon of Roger's Soil
Activator per 12-inch pot. Lightly cultivate into the top 1/2 inch of soil.
Water thoroughly.
Water plant regularly to keep moist, but not wet. By August 1st, stop watering your plant and let it dry out and rest.
Stalks and leaves will eventually die back and disappear. At this point, the bulb will be going into a
dormant period.
Take the bulb out of the container. Clean off any dirt and debris. Store bulb in a paper bag in a cool, dry, dark
place where it will be protected from heat, and most importantly, moisture.
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7. TO ACTIVATE BLOOMING CYCLE AGAIN
Activate growing cycle again by following Steps 1 through 6.
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