Imagine showing up for dinner or a party bearing a beautiful, blooming flower. Amaryllis(Hippeastrum species) are very popular holiday gifts because of their ease of growingand vivid choice of colors of salmon, rose, pink, white, apricot, bicolors, and a colorpattern called picotee (often edged in white though it can be another color). Their large,trumpet-shaped flowers are borne on sturdy stalks ranging from 1 to 2 feet tall. It’s a spectacular centerpiece!

But while most people who are gifted with amaryllis receive a potted bulb kit, you cangrow this perfect hostess gift right in your greenhouse. It takes about 6-8 weeks for ablooming plant, but you can begin the process and give a started amaryllis. It’s still agreat gift. Here’s how to do it:

Select the largest, firmest bulb you can find. You should be able to locate bulbs only at garden centers, but if you must, you can purchase a kit. The bulbs
shouldn’t show any signs of mold or decay.

• Find a pot that’s about 1 or 2 inches larger in diameter than the bulb itself that’salso deep, for good root development. You’ll think it’s too small, but amaryllislike things snug. (This is a good time to raid your supply of containers that you’vepicked up over the summer at yard sales. Yard sales are fantastic sources forthings like pots.)
• Fill the container about two-thirds full of well-draining potting soil. Set the bulb like a duck sitting on the water—half of it in the potting medium and half out. Firm the potting soil around the bulb and water.
• Find the warmest spot in your greenhouse that has bright, but indirect light, and put the potted bulb there. Periodically give the pot a turn so the bulb (and laterthe emerging stalk) receive equal amounts of light on all sides. If needed, you canstake them but be careful to avoid piercing the bulb.
• Keep the potting soil moist but not wet. Once you see signs of growth, fertilize (and keep feeding to support those massive blooms).

Amaryllis is the gift that keeps on giving because a plant will continue to bloom,especially once it is potbound. Your thoughtfulness will be remembered long after thedinner or party.