Cultural Information

Availability

Holland Amaryllis are available from October until April. Because of the large assortment that is presently on the market, it is

difficult to give an exact forcing schedule. Below we list some varieties and their forcing characteristics. Generally the amaryllis

flower more consistently after January 1. As a rule it takes 4 weeks to flower after shoot emerges.

For Christmas

Plant November 10

Use only size 28/30 of Ludwig Goliath, Fantastica, or Dutch Belle

For Valentine

Plant December 20

Use only size 28/30 of Ludwig Goliath, Fantastica, Dutch Belle,

Apple Blossom or Maria Goretti

For Easter

All varieties and sizes are suitable - schedule shipdate 6 weeks before Easter

Storage Upon Arrival

Bulbs can be stored easily before planting. Use a low humidity, well-ventilated area. Storage temperature should be 55-60 ⁰F. If the

sprouts show, lower the temperature to 41⁰F.

Planting

Amaryllis must be planted in a well-drained, pH 6.0-6.5, sterilized planting medium. NEVER USE FRESH MANURE as part of the

medium. Normally one bulb is planted per 5 1/2" or 6" (13-15 cm.) standard pot or 3 smaller bulbs in a 8" pot. Plant the bulb with

the nose slightly above the rim of the pot - about 1/3 of the bulb will be out of the pot. The use of a plastic pot is preferred.

Spacing

Force bulbs pot to pot on the bench.

Light

Plants should be forced in a low to medium light (1000-5000 ft. candle) intensity greenhouse. It is possible to start bulbs in a dark,

temperature-controlled area before the bulbs are placed under lighted conditions.

Watering

After planting, water thoroughly. Subsequently, the medium should be kept only slightly moist. It is important not to overwater the

plant in order to stimulate regrowth of the basal root system. USE TEPID WATER!! Do not water the bulb nose.

Temperature

Amaryllis are tropical plants and they can be forced over a wide range of temperatures, but 75-80⁰F (24-27⁰C) is preferred. Bottom

heat should be used. Average forcing time to market stage of development is 6-8 weeks. It will vary with each cultivar and forcing

period. It is also important to note that amaryllis lots are somewhat variable and no guarantee as to flowering time can be given.

Ventilation

Force plants in a well ventilated greenhouse. Do not allow relative humidity to build up.

Fertilization

Initially, amaryllis do not need fertilization. After they are marketed consumers should be advised to fertilize the plants.

Marketing, Harvesting and Storage

Amaryllis should be marketed when the floral stalk is 12" (30 cm) tall. Also, it is desirable to have leaf growth of 6-12" and a

second stalk beginning to grow. Do not cold store amaryllis plants or flowers. If they need to be held, place them at 50⁰F (10⁰C).

Whenever possible, plants should be marketed with care tags. The consumer should be informed that amaryllis should be fertilized

1-2 times per month when it is growing. They can be placed outdoors in the pot when the danger of frost has passed. To reforce

the plants, they should be taken in the home in the fall, allowed to dry and be stored for at least 8 weeks before cutting off the

dried foliage and starting the forcing process. Amaryllis can also be used as cut flowers. They should be cut when the floral buds are

colored, but not yet open. To prevent the splitting and outrolling of the cut stem, the flowers can be held in 0.125 sucrose for 24 hours

at 72⁰F (22⁰C) before shipping.