Amaryllis - climate and soil required to grow for types of Amaryllis flowers

Amaryllis is also known as Belladonna Lily. It has originated from South Africa. It is closely related to Hippeastrum, also known as Royal Dutch Amaryllis or Trumpet Lily or Night Star Lily. Amaryllis is distinguished from Hippeastrum by the solid flower stalk (scape) and lack of leaves while in bloom. The botanical name of Amaryllis is 'Amaryllis Belladonna L.' and it belongs to the family of Amaryllidaceae.

Click here to browse Amaryllis Flower Bulbs at BloomingBulbs

Major use of Amaryllis

The large bell shaped or lily like Amaryllis flowers and their hybrids make excellent potted plants and they can also be used as cut flowers. They're ideally suited for bed, rockery, window garden, shrubbery etc. The flowers along with stem are used in flower arrangement and vase decoration. They grow in a wide rage of colours including deep red, white, pink, orange, cream, peach, and salmon or bicolor. They have 2-6 flowers per stick. Amaryllis flowers are 2 inch wide, 4-5 inch long. Most of the bulbs sold are either Dutch or South African grown hybrids. There are currently some 250 cultivars available commercially in a number of categories. They are available in various forms like trumpet flowered, belladonna, leopoldio, miniature, double and single flowers.

Amaryllis climate and soil

Amaryllis is a subtropical crop, but can be grown from tropical to subtropical or temperate climate. In temperate regions Amaryllis is grown under greenhouse conditions. Amaryllis grows best in outdoor conditions at a temperature of about 21 deg. c to 27 deg. c and relative humidity between 50-90%. It is a long day plant requires 16 hours of light for producing maximum numbers of leaves, flowers and bulblets. High light intensity also improves number and size of flowers

Amaryllis must be planted in rich sandy loam or loamy soil with proper drainage. The preferable pH range of soil is between 6.0-6.5. The soil rich in organic matter will provide the best growth.

Amaryllis bulbs, choosing and buying: Amaryllis is normally propagated through bulbs. The number of floral stalk, size of flowers and duration of flowers depends on bulb size and cultivars. Commercial size Amaryllis bulbs have a circumference of 20-22, 24-26, 28-30 cm and above. Bulbs selected for planting must be disease free and free from any external injuries and bruises. The suitable cultivars for amaryllis are Hathor, K imberely, Parkin, Johannesburg, Barbertown, Captown etc.

Hathor: Flower stem produces fragrant pure white flowers with yellow throats.

Kimberley: Deep carmine – pink flowers with white centers

Johannesburg: Free flowering, flowers pale pink.

Barbertown: Dark rose-pink flowers.

Capetown: Deep rose-red flowers.

There are some other cultivars available according to season and types of flower, which are as below:

Single Flowered varieties:

Early season-Apple Blossom, Lucky Strike, Roma, Minerva, Mount Blanc, Orange Sovereign etc.

Mid season-Liberty, Red Lion, Lemon Lime, Rilona, Wonderland, Royal Velvet , Picotee etc.

Late season-Happy Memory, Charisma, Las Vegas, Piquant etc.

Double Flowered varieties:

Early season: Aphrodite, Lady Jane, Pasadena, Mary Lou etc.

Mid season: Blossom Peacock, Double Record, Unique, White Peacock etc.

Late season: Andes, Dancing Queen, Flaming Peacock, Promise etc.

Miniature Varieties:

Early season: Amoretta, Donau, Giraffe, Scarlet Baby, Pamela etc.

Midseason: Papillio

Cybister varieties:

Mid season: Emerald, Ruby Meyer etc.

Late season: Chico, La Paz etc.

Trumpet varieties:

Mid season: Pink Floyd

Late season: Amputo, Misty etc.