To force your amaryllis to rebloom, there are a few steps you can take. First and foremost, it’s important to give the bulbs a break and allow them to rejuvenate. This can be achieved by providing them with a summer vacation in your garden.
1. Planting in the garden: After the amaryllis has finished flowering indoors, transplant it into a suitable garden spot. Choose a location that receives full sun or partial shade and has well-draining, fertile soil. Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the bulb and place it in the hole with the neck of the bulb above the soil level. Space multiple bulbs about 12-18 inches apart to allow for adequate growth.
2. Providing the right conditions: Amaryllis bulbs thrive in warm temperatures, ideally between 70-85°F (21-29°C). During the summer, ensure they receive plenty of sunlight and water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist. Using organic mulch around the plants can help retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
3. Fertilizing: To encourage bulb growth and replenish nutrients, it’s essential to fertilize amaryllis plants. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early summer and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates. Additionally, you can provide a liquid fertilizer every two to four weeks during the growing season.
4. Watering: While it’s important to keep the soil moist, avoid overwatering as amaryllis bulbs can rot if they sit in waterlogged soil. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, allowing excess water to drain away. During periods of heavy rainfall, ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
5. Deadheading and foliage care: After the amaryllis blooms have faded, remove the spent flowers by cutting the stalk near the base. This process, known as deadheading, helps divert the plant’s energy back into the bulb rather than producing seeds. Allow the foliage to naturally wither and yellow over time, as this indicates the plant is entering its dormant phase. Avoid cutting off the leaves prematurely, as they provide essential nutrients to the bulb.
6. Preparing for dormancy: As fall approaches and temperatures start to drop, it’s time to prepare the amaryllis for its dormant period. Reduce watering gradually, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Stop fertilizing and let the foliage die back completely. Once the leaves have withered, cut them off at the base, leaving about an inch of the neck above the soil.
7. Dormant care: To protect the bulbs during the winter, it’s advisable to mulch the planting area with a layer of straw or leaves. This insulation helps regulate soil temperature and prevents freezing and thawing cycles that could damage the bulbs. In regions with harsh winters, you may need to lift the bulbs and store them indoors until spring.
8. Spring awakening: As the temperatures rise and the danger of frost has passed, it’s time to bring your amaryllis bulbs out of dormancy. Remove the protective mulch and resume regular watering. With patience and proper care, you should start to see new foliage emerging from the bulbs.
By following these steps and providing your amaryllis bulbs with a summer vacation in the garden, you can help them replenish their energy and increase their chances of reblooming. Remember, each bulb may require a different amount of time to fully recover and produce flowers again, so be patient and enjoy the process.
