keep the soil only slightly moist until growth starts, then gradually increase. When 
first potted set the bulbs in a cool, light room. The best temperature now 1s 45° or 
50°. Later the pots may be removed to a room of about 60° or 70°. 80° will force 
more rapid growth and earlier flowers and this is all right when the bulb is well rooted. 
Buds will usually have shown. 
After flowering, the bulbs will then be shrunken and perhaps soft. A period of 
growth is necessary to fill them out and increase their size. If good growth is made 

A. SIBYL HOUDYSHEL 

A. SELECT STRAINS 
at this important stage the bulb will be much larger than in the preceding year and 
offsets may be made. It is necessary to keep them growing as long as possible. When 
the weather is warm outside the pots may be plunged in the garden or the bulbs with 
entire, unbroken clumps of roots and earth may be removed from pot and reset. 
Bulbs may be planted in full sun, but slight shade is good where very hot summers 
prevail. When bulbs are well established give liberal mulchings of dairy manure. Use 
stable manure carefully. It is good but very strong. If it does not rain every week 
give a good irrigation. Before heavy frost, remove to house. Allow them a rest of 
several weeks but do not allow pots to dry out completely. The temperature of 45° 
checks growth. When you want them to start, bring to 60° and water a little. You can 
become expert in obtaining flowers every year. In the garden plant Amaryllis just 
under the soil surface. 
I am frequently asked why the inquirer’s bulbs do not flower. Perhaps they have 
flowered the first year after their purchase but not thereafter. Some state their bulbs 
become smaller each year. These results inevitably follow poor culture. If you give them 
correct culture, plenty of water and liquid manure when growing well after flowering 
and keep the growth luxuriant for about 6 mo. or more (as long as they will grow) 
you will have nice fat bulbs, with a bud or buds formed within for the following season. 
When leaves naturally begin to yellow it is a signal that they would like to rest 
awhile. Some bulbs will continue to have green foliage but one should reduce water to 
give an early winter rest. Well established bulbs can often be brought into flower in 
12 
