Add a Splash of Spring {planting amaryllis bulbs}

First full day of spring and we still have a blanket of snow on the awaiting green grasses.  Time to take spring into our own hands before we take a trip to the...well, what ever your crazy side is!  One way to add some spring interest is planting amaryllis bulbs.  Easy, easy, EASY!

Tips for planting your bulb;
1.  CHOOSE YOUR BULB:
Choose a bloom style that resonates with you.  The bulb should be free of decay and firm.  I chose to experiment with the Belladonna Amaryllis. Bulbs are avail now at local nurseries or online sources.

2.  CHOOSE YOUR POT:
A pot with drainage is best and should leave 1" around your bulb to the edge of the pot.

3.  CHOOSE YOUR SOIL:
Pick a soil with a high organic matter that drains well.  The bulb doesn't like soggy soil as it will rot over time.

4.  PLANT IT:
Place the bulb in the soil 'tip' up with half of the bulb above the soil line.  Lightly firm the soil around the bulb, water it, and place in a warm, sunny location.

5.  WATCH IT GROW AND BLOOM:
Weeks later leaves will emerge and blooms will soon follow.


What do I do with it once it's done blooming? Prep it for next season and enjoy again and again!


Tips for prepping to bloom next spring:
1.  LET IT GROW:
Remove the spent blooms and let the plant grow all summer long.  The leaves will continue to provide energy to the bulb and make it strong for next season.  You may even fertilize it.  Don't forget to water it as needed. 

2.  PREP FOR SPRING:
By fall, the leaves may start to yellow a bit, and may even die back. This is your sign that the bulb is going into dormancy.  In zone 4, the safest way to over winter the bulb is to place it a cool, dark location for 8-12 weeks.  I stick mine in the corner of our garage on my garden shelf around the middle of October and forget about it until February or March.

3.  WAIT FOR SPRING:
When spring fever starts to hit me about mid February, I go searching in my garage.  I bring the pot indoors, place it in a warm sunny location, give it some water, and wait.  Weeks later you have some green to support your spring fever needs!