A lady at church had a very large amaryllis bulb that was encapsulated in a red, waxy coating. She was wondering what to do with the bulb as it was budding and nearing bloom. Amaryllis bulbs are often sold wrapped and will bloom without planting. Many companies suggest tossing the bulb after bloom. However, these bulbs can possibly be saved to have a bloom for next year’s Christmas holidays. To do this, after bloom remove the wrapping material and plant as a normal bulb and remove the spent blooms. In the spring after danger of cold weather, take the bulb outside and grow throughout the summer. These bulbs can take a fair amount of sunlight. Keep them properly irrigated as you would a normal houseplant. Encouraging summer grown amaryllis bulbs to rebloom will take some patience.

When September arrives, move the bulb indoors. Once indoors, place the bulb in a dark location on its side for 6 to 8 weeks. This sleeping period allows the leaves to wilt and die. Remove all the withered and dried leaves close to the base of the bulb with sharp pruners. The bulb should be stored in a cool, dry location such as a basement in an area that is cool approximately 50-60 degrees. Do not water the bulb during this resting period.

When you’re ready for bloom initiation, repot the bulb with fresh potting soil. The bulb may have grown to be too large for the previous pot, so plant the bulb in a pot one size larger than the previous pot using an all-purpose potting soil. Position the bulb so that the top half is exposed. Keep the soil moist in a bright, but cool location in the home near other houseplants. Ideal forcing temperatures are between 55 and 65 degrees, avoiding drafts and forced-air heating vents. Large shoots will emerge in a few weeks and eventually developing to a large flower.

Darrell Blackwelder is the retired horticulture agent and director with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in Rowan County. Contact him at deblackw@ncsu.edu.