Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-01-31


When the roots are we'll de-
veloped the bud will appear and
then it is time to bring the pot
into the light. After the new
shoot has greened up, the pot
should be moved into q sunny
water applied increased as the
plants ability to absorb it in
creases. The growing amaryliss
will thrive at so to 65'. although
an 80 temperature will produce
more rapid and taller growth.
How to Feed the Bulbs
Some gardeners give their
bulbs a half-cupful Of weak IL
quid plant food once or twice
a month. Undoubtedly. this pro-
duces stronger growth, but more
important, it is necessary for
second year or more from the
same pot.
This brings us to. a possible
variation from the standard
practice which was indicated
above-leave them in the pot
until 1t breaks.
A few amaryllis growers repot
their bulbs each fall in well en-
riched new soil and they claim
better results. However, the
usual practice is to scrape out as
much soil as possible without
disturbing the bulbs and replace
with rich topsoil. If the latter
method is used supplemental
feeding is essential.
Shoots Should Be Stocked
The new flower shoots will
make rapid growth and because
they grow fairly tall and heavy
should be staked and tied. It re-
quires 3 to 4 weeks to flower
ing after the shoot appears
Green bamboo stakes are best
for this purpose. Later on, the
foliage will need to be tied and
the same stake used, since the
flower stalk is removed soon
after the flowers fade.
Most amaryIlis growers take
good care OF their potted bulbs
after the Towering season by
keeping them well watered and
fed to permit the bulbs to build
up strength for next seasons
bloom. Usually they are moved
to a semishaded section of the
garden after all danger Of frost
is past and the pot plunged into
soil UP to its rim. For best re-
suits summer feeding and water
ing is needed to keep the plant
in good growth. Feeding may
stop in early August. Protection
from insects and diseases is
rerely necessary. but protection
from pets and children may be
needed to guard against injury
to the luxurious foliage.
Store Before Killing Frost
In the fall, before a killing
frost. the pots should be lifted
and brought indoors where they
may be dried of and stored for
the rest period on their sides
under the laundry tubs or in
some -of-the-way place where
there is little danger Of their
becoming bone dry. There are
some amaryllis varieties which
are more or less evergreen and
they should be kept growing
The majority. however, may be
dried off by gradually withhold
ing water. The three-months
rest period, october through De-
cember. is essential for good
bloom.
Because the amaryllis flowers
appear before the foliage it may
be desirable to place them among
ferns or climbing plants for best
appearances. However, they are
such welcome sights in the win
ter months-January to April
most Of US overlook the lack OF
background.
Multiplication by offsets is
likely in the older bulbs and
when this occurs the window
gardener may be perplexed, not
knowing what to do or when with
the newcomer. Allow it to re-
main undisturbed until it sep
arates easily-very little pressure
needed-from the parent bulb
At this time 1t may be placed in
a small lpot-in keeping with its
size-and given the same care
outlined above. In time it will
reach Towering size-one to
three years, depending upon the
care given.