Did you know amaryllis transitions nicely from your holiday display to the garden for good?
Lucky for us, our zone 7 gardens suit this transition just fine.
Here’s what to do:
· Keep the amaryllis alive inside until after the treat of the last frost date in spring. For Raleigh, that 90 percentile magical date is April 15.
· Choose a location in the garden that receives full sun with afternoon shade for a little relief from our notably, hot afternoon summer sun.
· The soil should be well-drained and fertile with some phosphorus added. Bone meal or phosphorus fertilizer work fine.
· Remove the bulb from the pot and carefully, spread the roots.
· Plant the bulb just below the neck of the plant.
· Cover with 2 – 3 inches of mulch to aid in conserving water.
· Water in well.
· Keep mulched through the winter to enjoy your amaryllis for years to come.
Most likely, your amaryllis will not bloom again this year. Still, there will be nice strappy leaves to enjoy. Lightly fertilize monthly through August.
Next year in the late spring, your amaryllis should bloom again.
It is my understanding, hardy amaryllis are good into zone 6.
Helen Yoest is a garden writer and coach through her business Gardening with Confidence™
Follow Helen on Twitter @HelenYoest and her facebook friend’s page, Helen Yoest or Gardening With Confidence™ Face Book Fan Page.
Helen also serves on the board of advisors for the JC Raulston Arboretum
Janet said
I have two from previous seasons in the garden…..I love it!
gardening with confidence said
Don’t you love it! H.
TC Conner said
I didn’t get mine in the pot early enough for it to bloom over the holidays, but it should be blooming in a couple of weeks, or less. This will be its second year, and my first successful attempt at keeping amaryllis bulbs longer than a year. I’ll set it out again in spring, and bring it in towards fall. We’ll see how long I can hold on to it, just for fun.
gardening with confidence said
Good luck with the T.C.!
H.
Carole said
Usually, I forget to bring the bulbs up from their basement home. But last summer I was determined not to forget so I brought them up and set them out in the garden. Silly me, I forgot to bring them in before this (horrible) cold and they are frozen and very sad looking. I don’t think they liked this zone 6 garden. Oh well, will try again next year……
gardening with confidence said
He Carole, What real gardeners say and what the literature says are often two things. I can only speak for my garden and they do fine. Looks like you are a better voice with experience for zone 6 gardens! H.
Jan said
I have been planting my amaryllis in the garden for years now and love the display come spring. They are such easy bulbs to grow outside here.
Jan
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