By Harvey Goodman
Of course, the likelihood of finding blooming flowers under the snow is not great, but forcing bulbs during the winter is a really wonderful alternative that is both easy and rewarding
One of the most popular forced bulbs is the Amaryllis. It is beautiful as a centerpiece, and perfect for the visual pick-me-ups, to place around the house. Best of all, it's easy to grow. In general, all you do is drop the bulb in some potting soil, give it a good watering, and stand back. In about four to six weeks, you will be rewarded with a spectacular display of bloom that will very likely last to the Spring.
A bit about Amaryllis. At first glance the Amaryllis bulb is truly an ugly duckling. With flaking gnarled skin, twisted roots and a face that only a mother can love it, doesn't hold much promise. But once it starts to grow, the eyesore becomes a magnificent swan. Tall, graceful stalks rise from the bulb to produce huge, lily-like blossoms in spectacular variations of white, red, pink, salmon, pale yellow and bi-color. Some of the individual flowers may measure more then 10 inches in diameter. As an extra added bonus, when the first blossom show is over, it is not unusual for a second stalk to rise to the occasion producing even more blooms.
Some simple instructions may help to ensure the development of this exquisite flower. Remove the bulb from its packing, untangle and separate its roots. Soak the roots in lukewarm water for three to four hours before planting the bulb. Select a pot that is at least 6 inches deep and about 3 inches wider than the bulb. Fill the pot with rich, well-drained potting soil. Place the bulb in the pot, leaving about two-thirds of the bulb above the soil. Water generously, and place the pot near a sunny window with bright but indirect light .
Keep your Amaryllis blooming year after year. Once the Amaryllis begins blooming, feed it twice a month with a weak solution of regular houseplant fertilizer. After the blooms have faded, cut off the flower stalk at soil level.
When the danger of frost is safely past, move your Amaryllis out of doors to a partly shaded location. Continue to water and feed the plant until late summer when the foliage begins to turn yellow. Then remove the leaves as they die.
In the fall, before cool weather sets in, bring the Amaryllis inside…and place the pot, bulb and all, in a dark place for a six- to eight-week rest. After the bulb's rest period, repot with fresh soil, water well, and place on a sunny windowsill. When repotting, remove any offsets (tiny bulbs attached to the larger, mother bulb) and pot them individually .
Stand way back and enjoy still another season of magnificent foliage.
