GET OFF TO THE RIGHT START WITH BULB & PLANT MART AMARYLLIS
by Nancy Wilson Kelley | Garden Club of Houston
Amaryllis (Hippeastrum Amaryllidaceae) are among the easiest bulbs to grow in Houston. Each year at The Garden Club of Houston’s annual Bulb and Plant Mart I have purchased many of these outstanding bulbs, long-time favorites such as ‘Adele’, ’Alfresco’, ‘Exposure’, ‘Picotee’ and ‘Susan’. New this year are ‘Double Record’, ‘Jewel’ and Nymph.’ Typically, I plant them indoors in pots to brighten the winter months.
Three big mistakes to avoid when planting these wonderful bulbs indoors are:
- Plant using a container that has a hole to drain the water. These bulbs do not like to be soaked or they get mushy and will not bloom.
- Do not over water, let top inch of soil dry out before watering again.
- Rotate the plant every two to three days so the stalks will not grow towards the light!
After they bloom, I transplant the bulb with the stalk still intact into my yard. Being a very lazy gardener, I only make certain they are regularly watered.
The reward is bulbs that have bloomed year after year throughout the spring although I have never had one bloom in the summer. Imagine my surprise when I went out in late July and one of my “Alfresco” bulbs was in full bloom! A gift from the garden during these difficult times.
Details: gchouston.org for ordering/pickup directions.
