Amaryllis. Botanists have discarded the old name, Hippeastrum, for this genus. They 
are the easiest, the most showy and popular of all bulbs for growing in pots. Equally 
desirable for southern gardens where they are hardy along the east coast to N. Carolina 
and on the west to Vancouver. In the middle section they may be grown as far north as 
Ark. and Okla., but note special directions for colder sections. 
How to Grow Amaryllis. In the garden, in the deep south where temperatures go 
only a few degrees under freezing, Amaryllis bulbs need to be covered only about an 
inch or two. Farther north they should be planted about an inch below frost penetration 
in protected places and mulched with straw, leaves and/or brush. In Okla., a customer 
reports a depth of 4” with mulch is safe. A customer in N. Iowa reported an A. rutila 
hybrid, the hardier type, planted a foot deep, survived the winter but that is too deep to 
expect flowers and long life for the bulb. Let 6” and in sandy soil be the limit, preferably 
less. Why not mound them over with soil and mulch to be removed in spring? 
_ In Pots. A bulb 3” or less in diam. needs a 7” pot, and larger bulbs need larger pots, 
It is better to pot in Nov. or Dec. Better blooms result. But one can pot them as late as 
March and it is better late than never. The early potted bulbs will start more easily and 
give better flowers, but in either case the flowers will be better and will show more fully 
their full quality the second year. } 
The best potting soil is a rich sandy loam. If not sandy use a friable loam and add 
sand. To this add an equal quantity of well screened and well rotted dairy manure and 
leaf mould. Use no fresh or partially decayed manure and no peat or sphagnum. One 
tablespoonful of bone meal to each pot is recommended. Mix all ingredients thoroly. 
In potting the bulbs, carefully preserve any living roots, even remnants. Clean but 
do not scrape the base of the bulb and dust the moistened surface of base and the roots 
vets DOS If there are no roots, coat base of bulb with Rootone, which will hasten 
Pot the bulb two-thirds above surface and water well. Afte i 
. After this k h 
slightly moist until growth starts, then gradually increase. When first ee le 
in a cool, light room but not in sunlight. The best temperature now is not over 50°. The 
Seana have sufficient We to ae a good root system under these conditions. If 
a warm room and exposed to th rj 
AUR ERRAC Lie aS Gone earns ei e sun, top growth will be made before roots, 
Wh 
Bie Bae ao as that roots have formed, but not before, water the plants as 
; it. - But be sure to leave the bulbs a sufficient length of time in a 
oo Hie ep ees this period of dormancy and sufficient time to make a good root 
yee y fai sel they try to force the bulbs before they have rested and have 
‘ good roots. If you get a poor flower it may be because the bulb had no roots and 
; Phe ee the ene ase in the bulb from which to make flowers. Lack of a good 
oot system to nourish the flower will affect i “ 
size, substance and even color. So, rac aate pene a apts room atooneam 
Wait until they demand it by top growth. Then brin th eee nasy tigate 
ture of 50°, 60°, then about 70 mee aaetaeihet ites 
After flowering the bulb has shrunk : : 
; and a lon i 
see oe 18 me at this important stage, the Eis il pee ee 
olfsets may be made. K i ; ; ; | 
eas a fae a Neh ey growing as long as possible. When the weather is warm 
? y be plunged in the garden. If rim of pot is sufficiently below soil 
surface the roots may emerge and add range to th ‘ 
elisa ae b ‘ ge to the root system. Or better still, shift the 
e unbroken lump of soil to the garden. Water liberally duri ‘owth and 
when in good growth use manure water or mulch wi; h ST Lis oe 
pot grown bulbs as well, but don’t give heavy Bet manure. This is good advice for 
animals and people must have enough Re ha dic ae e : NS or stayed Dae 
hivetthabecbercmietat aig: gest and assimilate food. If they do not 
Keep the bulbs growing as lon 
yellow, about Nov. usually, ae may ara 5: oes en ee eee eee 
cool room a8 for starting: r, and give them a rest. Store pots in a 
Usually the summer’s gr i ! 
requirohEnie tae vn aelaeecy een see have increased the size of the bulbs sufficiently to 
: ew pot should be large enough to accommodate all 
10 
