Presenting

HOW TO PLANT, GROW AND REBLOOM Few bulbs are easier to grow than amaryllises. Just plant bulbs in good potting soil, water regularly, and provide bright indirect light. Most varieties will begin to bloom six to eight weeks after planting, but some can take as long as 10 weeks. Choose larger bulbs to get larger blooms; smaller bulbs will provide fewer stems and fewer blossoms. Plant each bulb into a 6-inch or 8-inch pot. Heavy (clay or ceramic) pots are preferable because of the weight of the large blooms and the length of the stems. Plant bulbs, pointed end up, in high-quality potting soil, with approximately one-third of the bulbs above the soil. After planting, water the soil well to help the bulbs "settle" into their pots. en keep the soil barely moist, and watch them grow. Once the bulbs begin to grow and flower, consider stabilizing the long stems with a hyacinth stake, bamboo stem or other decorative stake. Hippeastrum bulbs can also be easily rooted and grown in water, in jars or special bulb- forcing vases. When growing amaryllises in water, make sure that only the very bottom of bulb comes into contact with the water, and then only until roots start to develop, which can then dangle into the water. ese beautiful bulbs can rebloom every year with some extra care. Once the flowers have faded, cut the flower stalk to 1 inch above the top of the bulb. Continue to water and feed the plant regularly with fertilizer. Amaryllises will produce a number of leaves during the spring and summer, which help the bulb generate energy for the following bloom cycle. In mid-August, begin withholding water, and let the foliage die back naturally. Store the dormant bulb in a dark, cool and dry place for two to five months. en, about six to eight weeks before you want the amaryllis to flower again, repot the bulb in fresh soil, place it in bright indirect light, water and enjoy watching your new blooms grow. WAXED AMARYLLIS BULBS An interesting concept in the growing of amaryllis bulbs has been trending for a few years now: wax-coated bulbs. Waxed bulbs contain all the water and nutrients required for them to produce flowers! e base of the bulb is dipped in wax, often colored, and then sometimes painted, sprinkled with glitter and otherwise decorated. is concept creates opportunities for creative placement of these beautiful flowers in various locations—on a dining, coffee or side table; countertop; mantel; etc.— with no need for soil or water. soil barely moist, and watch them sure that only the very bottom of bulb comes into contact with the water, and then only until roots start water, and then only until roots start to develop, which can then dangle into John Regan, M.F.A., Ph.D. Twisted Stem Floral Design Crystal Lake, Ill. Extra Features and Video Online FloristsReview.com R E A D O N L I N E 13

• Cover