Marianne's Response

Kitten’s Question

Hi, I live in south Louisiana. I received an Amarilys bulb in a pot for Christmas.It has been inside and has bloomed.Leaves are beginning too appear. When can it be planted outside? Do I leave the long stalk on it? We have had apretty mild winter but, we may have one more frost before Easter. Thank you

Posted by on February 20, 2017

Marianne's Response

Congrats on saving your amaryllis bulb. Once it is done blooming continue to water as the foliage is making next year\'s bloom. Cut off the long stem or stalk but not the leaves. Move the bulb outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. Once the long leaves turn brown you may cut them off then let the bulb stay dry and dormant for a few months. In about 6 months you should see new green sprouting from the bulb. This is when you should add some Osmocote plant food around the bulb and begin to water once again. It often takes this bulb 2 or 3 years of sending out only foliage before it is robust enough to bloom again. Be patient and you may enjoy a second flush of flowers. Just be sure this bulb always has good drainage whether you grow it in a pot or in the ground. It cannot handle any frost. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti .