what do I do with a spent amaryllis bulb?

Question

I bought an amaryllis from the grocery store and got 6 beautiful blooms from it. Now the flower stalks are gone and what apear to be thick, long leaves are sprouting from the bulb. Do I cut these off, or let them run thier course? Can I save the bulb & plant it outside?

Answer 1

Okay here goes: After your amaryllis finished blooming cut off the flower stalk close to the top of the bulb. Keeping watering and dilute fertilizer. When spring comes and no more frost take the bulb outside still in its pot and sink into the ground with the bulb at ground level. Continue to fertilize all through the summer. Make sure it's in a semi shaded area of your garden. Come the end of summer usually around September take the bulb out of the ground, pot and all. Let the leaves turn yellow and die. Next take the bulb out of the container and place it in a cool, dark place for about 6 - 8 weeks. This lets the bulb recharge itself. Come November you can pot it back up making sure the bulb is at the appropriate level. Water a little bit, when you see growth you can continue to water accordingly. Do not fertilize. See my link below

Answer 2

Treat it the same as a daffodil or tulip. Take it out and plant it. Water and fertilize the same as your other plants. When the leaves die back, cut them off. Just don't forget to water when you don't see it anymore. Come next spring or early summer it will grow and bloom again.

Answer 3

Yes, plant it outside, just like it is. Don't plant it deep...it has to be right at the surface of the soil. It'll come back next year, etc.

Answer 4

Let them grow! you also need to fertilize this plant ever 1 or 2 weeks. planting outside will depend on the climate of where you live.

Answer 5

If you want to be tied to it's care, do what the two above recommend. However, for me, it costs more to baby it along in time, effort and materials such as a new pot, soil, fertilizer. I toss them........I feel guilty.........but I still toss them and get a new one next year.