GROW IT
Amaryllis can bloom in March
January 21, 2010
Sonia Day
SPECIAL TO THE STAR
I adore amaryllis – such show-offs, so wonderful in winter – and it's not too late to buy them. Although most people stock up on these flowering bulbs in fall, or give them as Christmas gifts, there are some real bargains out there right now.
I found four nice, fat bulbs at 40 per cent off in Sheridan Nurseries' store on Yonge St. near Lawrence Ave. last week, as well as one enormous half-price beauty at Toronto Botanical Garden's shop. (Remember: the bigger the bulbs, the bigger the blooms.) And I actually think it's best to plant them after the holidays because then they bloom in March or April, when the slushy stuff outside is starting to drive us nuts.
If you've never grown anything before, try an amaryllis. They are no-brainers. Simply plant the bulb in a pot of growing mix, snout sticking out. Water, and that's it. Within weeks (or even days) a stalk with a decidedly titillating appearance will thrust itself through the soil surface. Later come honking great blooms. They're now available in a glorious choice of colours (not just boring old scarlet) plus pure white, which is very "in" this year.
Someone gave you a boxed amaryllis which you stuck in a corner – and now there's a weird stalk busting out of the box? Don't cut this off (even if it's walking stick length). Simply plant the bulb and the stalk will straighten itself up amazingly fast.
After blooming, the long strappy green leaves look fine, but are space hogs. Getting more blooms can be hit and miss, however. I'll probably receive hate mail from eco-evangelists for saying this, but if you've tired of your amaryllis after the flowers wither, throw it out – and buy more bulbs next year. The growers will love you.
soniaday.com.
Toronto Star