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Bulbs/amaryllis no bloom

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Expert: Long Island Gardener - 10/8/2006


Question
I live in zone 8 but this amaryllis is grown indoors.

How do I make my 'Minerva' amaryllis rebloom? I had this bulb for almost 4 years. I recieved the bulb in Christmas 2002. Then it flowered in January 2003. Then it flowered again in March 2004. After that it didn't flower anymore. As I changed the soil from the pot I think the bulb was getting smaller. I'm not sure. Is there anything to tell the bulb to flower? Thanks. I would really would like to see the flowering beauty again.

Answer
Kenneth, I need to know if your Minerva has had a rest period.  It is not in your list of things that happened, so I am afraid it may be a resounding NO.  

While dormant, an Amaryllis looks dead.  I always have to hide the pot from other people in the house because they will inevitably throw it out for trash pickup.

Please advise about the poor Amaryllis's rest period.  

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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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