Amaryllis Success!

The Amaryllis this season started by coming out of the box on December 26, 2012, as a contorted specimen (See 1st photo.). A stake was used to gently right the wrong; but by day #2 the stem was well on its way to growing strong and upright. The stake was removed.

By day #23 (January 17, 2013), the bulb was in full bloom (See 2nd photo.). Three flowers on one stem remain bright in the kitchen window today. This seems to be the only successful Amaryllis grown from several other Christmas gift bulbs purchased by my brother.

The image on the box for Minerva looks more red than what I have (See 3rd photo.). I like this variety and hope to be successful in having it multiply and bloom in years to come.

If you've had success with Amaryllis, please share your suggestions.

PS - I had to compose this post using the Blogger app (while watching football) because Blogger is not allowing me the option of adding photos from my computer. Turds.

Amaryllis Day 1

Yippee!  On Christmas day I received a garden related item.  My brother brought over a boxed Amaryllis bulb - Minerva from Israel. It's a beautiful variety.

When my youngest gnome was a small boy, he could count on his uncle bringing him one of these science/garden projects on his birthday just 8 days after Christmas.  Each year we would open the box, remove the contents, and follow the instructions. Every time there would be a giant flower or two to enjoy.  So, today I opened the box and carefully removed the contents to begin the potting/growing process.

Yikes!  This thing was more like Medusa trying to work its way out of the box.  My brother and I are well acquainted with scoliosis; so this specimen was meant to be.  At first, I thought I would let nature take its course; but I just couldn't.  Like a Milwaukee brace or hardware on Forrest Gump's legs, I had to provide some sort of help to right the abuse this bulb had endured.

A bent wire coat hanger graced with a hummingbird ornament will help to slowly straighten this gal right up.  In a few more days, her color and posture should improve.  I'll post progress here.  I bet I'm not the only one that has one of these.

Minerva Trivia:
Did you know that is Minerva on the State of California Seal?  Well now you do.


1849

updated 1937