Pull the amaryllis out of the cellar, advises an experienced gardener for the winter months

I really wish it would be like that and the real Mrs. Winter would come. We gardeners can relax for a while – the period of intensive care is over and now is the time to get new inspiration, appetite for further work and physical strength. Even though the garden is asleep in December, its tranquility has its own charm. Everything we planted and cared for during the year is quietly waiting to be awakened.

Beware of winter drought

Freshly planted plants, especially shrubs and trees, are especially vulnerable to drought in winter. Winters have been dry in recent years, without snow cover. Therefore, you should pay attention to regular watering in the period when it does not freeze. It may happen that especially newly planted trees die – you may think that they have frozen. But that’s not the case, they have dried up.

Also water evergreen trees on frost-free days. This is especially true in the case of a dry autumn.

What to do in case of heavy snowfall

We’ll see what this winter brings us. Hopefully we will enjoy a beautiful snow cover in our garden as well. This can damage conifers or evergreen shrubs (rhododendrons). Therefore, after heavy snowfall, carefully remove the snow left on their branches. Dig it up with a broom or rake. Tap the branches from below with the flat part of the tool.

Winter decoration

It’s the last moment to pull the amaryllis out of the cellar or chamber. It takes 4 to 8 weeks to flower, so you might be able to enjoy its beautiful blooms for Christmas. Don’t you have it yet? It is commonly sold in winter and you don’t have to worry about growing it.

Amaryllis blooms with two or more flowers. They are large from 12 to 33 cm depending on the cultivar. The individual flowers are tube-shaped, softly scented and resemble lilies. It is grown here as a houseplant because it is not frost-resistant.

How to take care of him?

You will probably buy amaryllis in winter in a pot with a budding flower or already in bloom. Place it in a bright place at home and water it once a week. It doesn’t like a waterlogged substrate, but it also shouldn’t dry out completely.

Care after flowering

• Cut the stem a few cm above the onion.
• Keep the leaves, they are important.
• As soon as it warms up (above 10 °C), take it out into the sun.
• Water until the end of August.

What to do to make it bloom again?

• In late August or early September, transfer the amaryllis to a cool, dark room (12°C).
• Amaryllis leaves turn yellow and fall off.
• After two to three months, transfer it to a bright and warm place and start watering.
• It will start flowering in 4 to 8 weeks.

How to fertilize amaryllis?

• Fertilize according to the type of fertilizer used. Use the liquid once every 2 to 3 weeks.
• Fertilize when leaves are visible, not before.
• Stop fertilizing as soon as you move to a dark, cool room.

How long does amaryllis bloom?

2 flowers bloom on one stem (sometimes more, depending on the cultivar). They bloom gradually, so the amaryllis blooms for several weeks.

About the author

Magda H. Švarcová advises Flos gardening on Instagram. He loves peonies and roses. She would prefer to plant perennial beds everywhere.

Source: Receptář magazine