Hi, I started two bulbs (from EasyToGrow) last Saturday. This's the first for me growing Amaryllis. The two are Samba and Blossom Peacock. So far, almost 6 days, nothing showing yet (no sign of green, bud). I don't know why these ETG bulbs arrived with no bud? (I saw many bulbs in big name store like HD, WM all having some buds out already, some even short stalk.) But the two ETG bulbs I received are really good big size, especially the Samba. I planted them in two glass containers with water and hydroballs (copied from Tarev). I expect the new green/bud will come out in maybe 2 weeks and hope they will bloom b4 or at Christmas. Right now I have a bit concern on not enough light for them and maybe the coming winter low temp. I wonder if anyone is doing the same this time? Maybe I can check with your growing process along? At least many of you must have previous experience on starting growing Amaryllis from fresh bulbs. Thank you for sharing and advice.

I Fiat, Tarev has had good success with her method, it can take a few weeks for the buds to appear. I started 2 bulbs about 2 weeks ago, 'Limona' and 'Elvas, I planted mine in planting mix, Limona has 2 bloom stalks showing and is also getting leaves, nothing so far on Elvas. I planted another one today, picked it up at the nursery yesterday, it is 'Exotic Star', we shall see how long it takes to show buds or leaves.

I also have 10 plants that I am letting rest, I have withheld water since August, amazingly the leaves on several are still green, I wait until they turn yellow then cut them 1 or 2 inches from the bulb, then I store them in a cool dark cabinet for 6 to 8 weeks. I take them out 2 at a time so that I have blooms over a long period of time, and start watering, it can take a few weeks for the bloom stalks and leaves to appear.

I did not start any new ones this year.I have put mine to rest for a couple of months.

I really shouldn't have started any new ones this year but you know how it is when you see all those lovely bulbs sitting there just begging you to take them home.

Thanks, JT for letting know you are resting your bulbs for maybe next spring bloom?

Margaret, so glad to know someone is starting A. bulbs this time with me. I am happy and jealous that your Limona has grown "TWO STALKS" already. I wonder if you are still under the process of resting your 10 old plants or already through and near the end to start them again? I reckon if you started the resting process in Aug, now would be the time close to re-start, so they would still re-bloom at Xmas? Gee, why do I even think about mine bloom next year now when I am still hoping and waiting for the first bloom this year?

Fiat, no it is too soon to restart, I only have 3 without leaves and they will be resting until the first week in December. The others still have a few green leaves, I was told that they must turn yellow before cutting them down, so far this method has worked well. I let them grow a little longer this year before withholding water so that once they send up leaves the days will be getting longer and they will have more light. I really don't care if they bloom for Christmas as long as they bloom.

Did you read my article on http://garden.org/ideas/view/m...

Magaret: yes, I read your article 'twice' and like your last pic that shows the new bloom and new stalks. I am thinking there's big weather/season difference between your area and mine. The resting/rebuilding timeline maybe different too, so as re-blooming time. Any way, I am now just to focus on mine's first bloom that hopefully will come soon b4 the end of the year. Thanks

Fiat, yes there is a huge difference in our weather conditions, you have to do what works for you in your zone. Be sure and keep us up to date on your progress with your bulbs.

Fiat, Be patient, the buds will come. Most shipped bulbs have no buds showing. Often bulbs from box stores do have the bud showing since the warmth of the store has brought the bulb out of dormancy. Your bulb doesn't even need sunlight until top growth appears. Warmth is probably the most important thing for getting the bulb going. But since you live in zone 9B, that shouldn't be an issue. There is such a variation in the speed with which the bulb comes out of dormancy. Some are quick. Some, esp. members of the cybister group, take months to get going. This is why it is so hard to predict when the blooms will open up. Just because you started the bulb in Oct, doesn't mean it will bloom by Xmas. I am getting several new bulbs in the next week or two. I expect them to bloom anywhere from mid Dec through the end of Jan.
Good luck.

Barbara, what bulbs did you get this year?

Hi Margaret: I am getting Peach Melba, Fiesta, Double Delicious and Braza from White Flower Farm. From Royal Colors, I'm getting Terracotta Star, Rosy Star, Sao Paulo, Daphne, Pretty Nymph, Rebecca and Jewel of the Night. Unless something else really catches my eye, these eleven will be the only ones I'm getting this year.Of course, I can never have too many Amaryllis, so we'll see what else happens to be around locally this year!

Barbara, very nice assortment, I will have to check those out.

Thanks, Margaret for your encouragement and advice.

Barbara, Did you receive bulbs from WFF yet? I thought they guarantee at least two flower stalks from each bulb. When you receive their bulbs, could you kindly report if there's any buds (or leaf tips) seen? I like to know what difference compared to ETG's for the almost double price worth. Thanks

Nothing has come as of now. I've always gotten at least 2 flower stalks from the WFF bulbs. I have used them for ten years, only had one mislabeled bulb in that time from them, which they promptly replaced. I like their customer service and the bulbs are excellent quality. In addition WFF is located on the east coast so I think the bulbs might make it to Florida a bit quicker that they would from ETG in California. Time in transit can be an issue in cold weather. I've also used ETG for many years, just chose not to use them this year, since I was cutting back on orders. ETG carries a nice variety of bulbs, many of which are exclusive to them, but have had occasional mislabeling issues in the past. I have no problems with their customer service. I'll report what the bulbs look like from WFF and RC.

Thanks, Barbara. Ok, I guess maybe the main difference is that ETG ship out bulbs earlier b4 buds growing and WFF ship late after budding (to make sure you get flower stalks). Well, it's probably the catch in price difference: I have to care bulbs for starting bud... On the other hand, ETG's bulb supplier grows in near warm California farm that could help my bulb adapting/growing. Will report if see anything up.

bsharf said:... Your bulb doesn't even need sunlight until top growth appears. Warmth is probably the most important thing for getting the bulb going. But since you live in zone 9B, that shouldn't be an issue. ...

Ok, talking about warmth, in our area in winter it could be down under 30F outside. For example, this morning @ 6:00AM, it's 43F outside and 58F inside (I haven't started my heater yet). I read several articles all point to not below 60F required for A. bulbs. Should I now start heater to keep above 60F? Thanks for advice.

Just want to post a disappointing status of my new A. bulbs: after 16 days, no sign of waking up or buds growing. Wonder if they ever do?

That is very disappointing for sure, but there is still hope. Remember I told you that I bought 2 bulbs, I just checked the date and it was Oct. 3rd and started them the next day, Limona got buds in about 2 weeks, Elvas just started showing a bud a few days ago, so that is over a month, the Exotic Star also has a bud so I am happy.

Happy for you, Margaret.

Barbara, Have you received your bulbs from WFF yet? If yes, do they have buds or flower stalks? How are they doing?

Oh, just for one day, from disappointing to interesting it becomes: one of my two bulbs (the small blossom peacock) has made some significant change (the other big guy-the Samba looks still sleeping). I use the word "change" instead of "new grow" because I only see some difference from day 1, not new from day 1. I'll let you take a look and tell me what you see:
Day 1:

Day 7:

Day 18 (today):