An amaryllis bulb has a natural temperature sensor that prevents it from sprouting under unfavorable climatic conditions. As a hobby gardener, you benefit from this attribute in the form of a flexible planting time. Here we explain how the floral mechanism works in a practical way.
If you want amaryllis to flower in winter, you should plant them in autumn
Autumnal planting time initiates winter flowering splendor
As long as you store a Ritterstern onion in a dark and cool place, at 5-8 degrees Celsius, life will not stir inside. Only when the substrate exceeds 10 degrees and room temperatures prevail in the bright location do the stalks and buds push themselves into the light. It will then take another 6 to 8 weeks for the flower to show itself in all its splendour. That is how it goes:
- Planting time at the end of September/beginning of October for flowering in Advent
- Planting time early November for flowering at Christmas time
- Planting time in December/January for spring flowering
The warmer the location, the faster the growth of buds and flowers progresses. If the mercury column fluctuates between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius, your knight star reliably sticks to this schedule, provided that it also receives the right care.
Amaryllis bulbs need air to breathe
All strategic planning for the best planting date will come to nothing if you sink a Ritterstar bulb completely into the substrate. Always pot the tuber so that half of it is exposed.
tips
A knight star planted in early fall has the potential for another blooming season in summer. Just cut off the faded flowers and the hollow stem. Water regularly and fertilize every 14 days in the partially shaded, warm window seat. After a regeneration period of 6 to 8 weeks, your amaryllis will - with a little luck - put on its flowers a second time.