The amaryllis has long been a very popular plant and that's not at all surprising.

The lovely amaryllis and it's hybrid cousins - are renowned for making excellent potted plants indoors and tropical accents during the growing season outdoors. Blossom colours include red, white, pink, orange, salmon and bi-colour. You will usually find two to six flowers per stalk. Most amaryllis bulbs sold are either Dutch or South African grown hybrids that will flower without any special treatment when they are first purchased.

LIGHT: Although the plant may survive in less light, at least four hours of direct sunlight is ideal for blooming.

WATER Immediately after planting, water the bulb thoroughly with lukewarm water. Allow the top third of the soil to dry between complete watering sessions with lukewarm water. When flowering, increase the frequency of watering. But after flowering, only water when the top half of the soil feels dry to your touch. Never allow these plants to sit in water.

TEMPERATURE: A temperature between 21 - 24C (70 - 75F) is ideal for optimum growth until the roots form and the leaves and flower stalk begin to grow. Once the plant flowers, cooler temperatures of 18C (65F) will help prolong the life of the flower.

FERTILIZER: Use a soluble full strength fertilizer twice a month

SOIL & CONTAINER: You can repot your amaryllis anytime after the the plant has gone through a dormant or rest period. Plant your bulb in a container that is one to two inches larger in diameter than the base of the bulb itself. Potted bulbs tend to thrive when they are slightly root bound. You can use either clay or plastic containers, but they must have drainage holes in the bottom of the pot.

Amaryllis should be planted with about one third to one half of the bulb above the growing medium surface. Use a well-drained, sterlized potting medium, containing equal parts peat and perlite.

CARE AFTER FLOWERING: The secret of growing great amaryllis is to keep the plant actively growing after it finishes blooming. Remove blossoms as soon as they fade, in order to prevent seed formation. Also cut the stem off just above the bulb when all the flowers are finished. Place in a sunny window. During the next several months, growth is active and should be encouraged for future bulb development. Allow the top third of the soil to dry before watering. At regular intervals, make sure you fertilize with a balanced houseplant fertilizer. You can enjoy amaryllis indoors year round, or in a sheltered spot outdoors, after the danger of a spring frost has passed.

PERSUADING YOUR PLANT TO BLOOM AGAIN: When growing indoors and summer ends, remember to stop watering or fertilizing for 8 to 10 weeks. The leaves will then yellow and wither and can be removed. Let your plant go dormant by moving it to a cooler spot, and water only enough to keep the bulb from shriveling. In a few months, once you see the top of the flower bud beginning to emerge - move the pot to a sunny area and resume watering again. Discard all the dry foliage. As the flower stalk begins to lengthen, rotate the position of the pot every few days to prevent the plant stem from leaning towards the light.

GROWING AMARYLLIS OUTDOORS:

Amaryllis grown indoors during the previous holiday season, can be moved outdoors in the spring, once the weather is warm enough. Help your indoor plants gradually adjust to brighter light, by first moving them to a porch or patio area, before placing the pots in a sheltered spot outdoors .Select a sunny spot in your yard that receives some shade during the afternoon hours. Water thoroughly and keep them moist throughout the summer. Fertilize regularly. Bring your plant indoors before the first frost. Then move into a cool and dark place for 8 - 10 weeks.

REMEMBER: Amaryllis plants will continue to grow and bloom without a forced dormancy period, but the blossoms will tend to be smaller and less prolific as the plant ages. Remove old flowers promptly to direct growth into the bulb. The larger and heavier the bulb, the larger the flowers and the number of flower stalks.

ENJOY YOUR BEAUTIFUL AMARYLLIS FROM ELLERSLIE GIFT & GARDEN