My Summer Bloomin Amaryllis . . .

Some of my amaryllis bulbs bloom twice a year.  This year is no different. Below is my first summer bloom.

Many people treat their amaryllis as an annual, but I have been keeping them going year round for several years.  I've even had 'new' bulbs appear in the pot and I've had them bloom.  I have seven bulbs in their own pots at the moment and there is at least one new offspring growing.  

It is relatively easy to keep a bulb goin for future bloomin.  Once it is done flowering, cut the stalk.  Continue watering and fertilize once a month.  If it is a winter bloom, the pot and bulb may be planted in the garden in the spring.  In early September, gradually reduce watering and stop altogether in October.  Cut off the foilage and allow the bulb to rest in a cool, dark place with no water or fertilizer for 4 to 6 weeks.  Then repot the bulb in a pot slightly larger than the bulb with a good potting soil.  Make sure the pot drains well.  The nose of the bulb should be above the pot's rim and the 'shoulder's' of the bulb should be just above the soil surface.  As the bud and leaves appear, gradually increase watering, but don't overwater.  With some luck and consistent attention, you will get a couple blooms from your amaryllis too. 

Took a pic of my purple gladiola because I love this color.  It has not been a good year for my flowers.  At my former residence I had similarly colored iris.  I think I have a pic of it somewhere in the archives.  Use flowers and or gardening as the key word.

The spring started out just right, then got way too wet, then it got very hot and dry.  Even with watering, I don't have much to look at or photograph.  Only about a third of my gladiola bulbs came up.  Very disapointing.  Oh, well there is always next year.  Already planning some changes.  Going to plant a bunch of crocus bulbs in front of the garage and fill in bare spots with more daffodils.  When the spring weather is right, I have a lot of yellow in the yard for a couple weeks.  Goin to make some changes along the tree line at the back of the lot too.