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Bulbs/Amaryllis from seed

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Expert: Long Island Gardener - 8/26/2007


Question
Following internet advice, I've successfully started amaryllis from seed.   Now, do I give them a 6-8 weeks dry rest this fall or just let them grow continuously until they reach substantial size for flowering?

Answer
Water the young plants as usual, providing plenty of Sun and letting them dry out between waterings in the small pot.

The plants will grow normally and they will naturally fade on their own schedule into dormancy, guided by the shorter autumn day length.  When leaves begin to yellow and growth slows, it is time to stop watering.  Underpot -- they grow better.

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Long Island Gardener

Expertise

Growing Tulips? Dahlias? Daffodils? Gladiolus? It doesn't get easier than bulbs and tubers. Once in a while, something goes wrong: The dreaded Narcissus Bulb Fly, which resembles a honeybee. Mosaic virus, which can ignite a field of tulips in a single season. Nematodes, lurking underground. Here on the North Shore of Long Island, the garden is full of surprises. If you live in the Northeast/Atlantic Coast, I can help you pick the right bulb for every season, indoors and out, and help you fertilize, bloom and harvest for home or work. How: I have degrees in related fields, but my best understanding is all learned from trial and error. For most of my 53 years I have been gardening somewhere. No matter what the problem, I've learned the best answers are always Organic -- Earth friendly, less expensive, healthier for people and pets, easier and cleaner than toxic liquids and powders that big chemical companies sell so smoothly.

Experience

Besides degrees in related fields, and a few favorite horticultural societies, I work as a docent at our local botanical gardens -- but it's the years of work in the garden that's the real test.

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