 Bulbs
Light Up
the Garden
Bring spring indoors
on a
grey winter day
by Beverly Burmeier
photography by Janis Turk
Got a green thumb? Then you probably received at least one live plant during the holidays. Bold and bright amaryllis and fragrant paper-white narcissus are both popular gifts of the season. Although these flowering bulbs are considered northern plants, they will grow in Texas. With a little effort, you can enjoy them — as well as tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, and crocus — through out spring.
If you received an amaryllis, it probably came as a pre-planted bulb and may still be in bloom. The name means “sparkling” which aptly describes its glorious blooms in colors ranging from pure white to salmon, pink, red and even candy-cane striped.
Here’s a quick primer to saving your amaryllis for blooming next year. Remove faded flowers, and cut stems back to the bulb. After the danger of frost has passed, place in a sunny location and continue to water the potted bulb throughout spring and summer. Fertilize once or twice a month with a basic 20–20-20 food. More leaves growing in summer means more flower stalks in winter. If you re-pot, use a size just slightly bigger than the bulb. Plant with neck and upper quarter of the bulb exposed.
April is a good time to plant amaryllis in the garden. Select a well-drained spot with morning sun. We don’t need to bring amaryllis inside for the winter since our ground rarely freezes. Stop watering when temperatures drop into the 30s, and move potted bulbs to the south side of the house. The plants need a dormant period to recharge. Amaryllis planted in the garden will bloom next January through April.
You can force Christmas bloom by placing the plant in a dark room or closet for 12 to 13 hours about six weeks before your special date. Prolonged darkness and temperatures around 55 degrees at night speed flower development — which will give you homegrown holiday decorations.
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