How to Force Amaryllis Bulbs in Soil
Purchased forced bulbs allow you to enjoy flowers earlier than they are produced in nature. This jump-start on spring can brighten the dark spaces in the winter home. Amaryllis forcing indoors is easy and allows you to watch the tall stems grow right before your eyes. Take a do-it-yourself approach and try amaryllis bulb forcing. Kits are available readily or you can force the previous season’s bulb, provided you kept it in a dry location. The first step is to make sure you have healthy bulbs. Choose large bulbs without blemishes or mold. If you stored them from the previous year and they got moist, rot may have set in, and these should be discarded. Forcing amaryllis bulbs in the soil is best since it minimizes the chances of any rot forming on the bulb. Some people force amaryllis in water, but if your home is humid or the bulb is too low in the water, fungal damage can occur. The next step is choosing the proper container. The bulbs don’t need a large pot in spite of their massive blooms and tall stems. Pick one that drains well and is about 1 or 2 inches (2.5-5 cm.) wider than the diameter of the bulb. Planting the bulb at the proper depth comes next. Fill the bottom of the pot with a couple of inches (5 cm.) of soil. Situate the bulb about midway in the container and fill up to the top with soil. The top third of the bulb should be sticking out of the soil when you are finished. Push in bamboo or another type of stake just to the side of the bulb. This will help support those leggy leaves and stem when the growth becomes tall. Water the soil well, ensuring excess moisture is draining from the bottom. A key to amaryllis forcing indoors is temperature. The best, most rapid growth will occur if the container is in a room that is at least 70 degrees F. (21 C.). Do not water the container again until you see green growth. Provide bright, indirect light and evenly moist (not soggy) soil once the leaves have begun to appear.
Amaryllis Bulb Forcing Care
It might seem that faster growth would occur with a little plant food but hold your horses. Wait until you see green. It can take anywhere from two to eight weeks for growth to appear. You can try to stimulate the bulb by placing it on a warming mat. Then fertilize with a diluted (by half) water-soluble food every two to three weeks. Rotate the pot every few days as growth continues to keep the stalk straight. Depending upon the variety of amaryllis, blooming should take place six to eight weeks after potting. Once the flowers appear, move the plant to a location with indirect light to prolong the blooms. Amaryllis bulb forcing in soil is one of those no-brainers once you have a few tricks up your sleeve. In no time you will be face to face with one of the most brilliant flowers available.
