Winter is here, and the only living plants that we will be able to enjoy for the next few months are those that we are able to grow indoors. Growing an amaryllis during the depth of the winter can be not only a real lift to the spirit, an amaryllis makes a great holiday gift!

Winter Surprise
   The popular 'Amaryllis' is really a Hippeastrum hybrid. These hybrids are orange, white, pink, or red - sometimes edged or striped in other shades. Amaryllis have long hollow stalks and bear 3-6 flowers per cluster. The large, trumpet-shaped flowers of the amaryllis make one of the showiest displays of the winter. The amaryllis is native to South Africa. They like heat and thrive outdoors in a mild climate.

     You can get started by buying a bulb at a local garden center in the fall and winter months. Usually bulbs are labeled by the color of the blossoms. A good pot is necessary to support the tall stem as it grows. The pot should be about 2 inches wider than the bulb and 6-7" deep and have a big drainage hole.

   To pot the bulb, cover the drainage hole with a rock or piece of crockery. Then put a 1½" layer of soil on the bottom of the pot. Use a good quality potting soil. Hold the bulb in one hand and use your other hand to pack soil around the roots. To give the roots as much room as possible, plant the bulb one-third to half-way out of the pot. Water thoroughly and move to the warmest place in the house. If no new growth shows yet, it doesn't matter whether the pots are in the light or the dark. Don't put the pots on a hot air register, though, because the bulbs dislike a draft. Check the pot every 4-5 days and water with warm water if it's dry to the touch. Don't allow the pot to sit in water or the bulb may rot.

   When the potted bulb has new growth at least 6 inches high, gradually bring it into the light, turning it daily so it won't lean to one side as it pulls toward the light. After several days of increasing light it will be ready for the sunniest room in the house. The bud stalk can grow surprisingly fast, an inch or so a day. About five weeks after the bulb was potted the buds will begin to open with show-stopping trumpet-shaped blossoms!
Enjoy the flowers and remember to water whenever the soil dries out. When the flowers begin to fade pinch them off. Don't cut off the tall, hollow bloom stalk until it turns yellow and withers. At this "ultra-ugly" stage, you may wish to move the pot to a less conspicuous window.
   

   After the plants bloom, the bulbs look small and shrunken. Four to five months of active growth are needed to renew their plump appearance and recharge their energy reserves. Supplying plenty of warmth, sunlight, and fertilizer in the spring and summer while the leaves are growing is the key to ensuring flowers the next winter.
The amaryllis makes a great holiday gift. Either already potted and growing or as a "kit" with the bulb, soil, and pot it will make a welcome winter room brightener.

Happy Holidays
   The holiday season is upon us, and another year is drawing to a close. As we hurry to buy presents, decorate our homes, and make all preparations for our holiday celebrations we must remember to take some time reflect on the reason for this beautiful season. From all of us here at Forth Floral we wish you comfort and joy this holiday season!