Expert: Kenneth Joergensen - 3/6/2005

Question
I live in zone 2.....What do I do with an amaryllis bulb now that it's flowers are dying. Will it bloom again outside? Thanks, cj

Answer
After the flowers die off, cut them off at the top of the flower scape. Let the scape die back and when it is yellow and withered cut it off at nose level. Let the leaves stay on the plant and continue to water and fertilize the bulbs. Apply a liquid fertilizer every 14 days and give plenty of sun.

After last chance of frost (june) move outdoors and continue to water/feed. Before first frost, harvest bulbs and place indoors. Let leaves die back naturally. Once they have died back, you can cut them off at the nose of the bulb. Then place the bulb in a dry dark place for 3-4 months until flowerscapes and/or leaves appear at the nose of the bulb. Repot and bring back into flower.

Note: these bulbs are fairly heavy and should be given plenty of fertilizer throughout the growing season, and full sun.

The bulbs must grow green 9-10 months before they can be made to flower.

Whether they flower indoors or outdoors depend bit on timing.