Clearence amaryllis- are they worth trying

18 years ago

I was at a Home Depot- and there was a table with several Christmas forcing bulbs- narcisus and amaryllis. If I look through the amaryllis, and they are still firm would it be worth taking a risk on them? I realize they probably would not bloom now, but would they live and hopefully bloom next year?

I think they were Red Lion, White Lion.

Please give me your opinions!

Jennifer

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (27)

anna_in_quebec
18 years ago
Yes Yes and YES!!! My Red Lion that I bought before the holidays has yet to bloom. 2 nice fat scapes are emerging only now. Definitely worth it IMHO!!

Anna
sierra_z2b
18 years ago
Oh yes.....if they look healthy go for it. Its a cheaper way to start a collection.

Sierra
Related Discussions
how much rest does an amaryllis need?
Q
Comments (10)
Having a bulb bloom more than once or twice, even more than three times a year isn't uncommon. Some of my bulbs will bloom only once a year while others seem to like to bloom twice a year. I do have two bulbs that despite what I do, they bloom roughly every 2 months-- that comes to 5-6 times a year. One is jewel and the other is dancing queen. Jewel's blooms get progressively smaller, smaller scapes and fewer blooms per scape until it seems to go through a feasting stage and then it starts all over again with a huge flush of blooms. Dancing queen on the other hand doesn't seem to give rats behind how many times it blooms. The scape are always roughly a foot to a foot and a half in height and the blooms always number 4/scape and the bloom sizes never decrease with successive blooms. The original bulb i had of dancing queen had a severe gouge in its side and in one year it was gone and she increased in size, despite multiple blooms. The point is-- each bulb has its own clock by which it runs-- don't we all!-- and once you know what that clock is, grow the plant by that schedule. Another member on here-- Jodik-- is a good case example as she never puts her's through dormancy and her oldest bulb (Minerva!-- you're welcome Jodik!) will bloom rather consistently for her but on its own schedule. Also, some bulb will decrease in size during bloom and will work hard after blooming to regain its size-- while others seem to have a knack to grow despite frequent blooming. Keep doing what you're doing with your bulb and realize that there are no rules, only good, educated guesses out there on how to raise these insanely addictive plants. It is a good thing we don't smoke these things or the government would put a stop to CHAD. Instead, I would like to thank all those effected by CHAD for being the one remaining hope our economy has left. LOL And to answer you question about drying these bulbs-- yes, it is often used to get blooms when you want them. I prefer to let these bulbs bloom on their own, however. CHAD-- the next economic stimulus package. Ryan
...See More
newbie to amaryllis
Q
Comments (69)
Yes you could have 2 scapes, as that is common. Yes it could be blotch, but as I said previously it won't kill this bulb. Good thing you only have 2 and not an entire greenhouse full (OMG I can't imagine your stress if you did!!). As previously suggested, you can spray it with the Schultz fungicide or try the cheaper cinnamon suggestion. Either way, it will bloom for you so just enjoy it. They each grow at different rates so don't compare one to the other. K
...See More
Naturalizing amaryllis
Q
Comments (13)
Hi, I live in central Florida and have been growing all my amaryllis outdoors in pots and containers. None are in the ground, but many will be going in the ground when I get my garden re-arranged this spring. I had about 300 if you count the little babies I grew from seed. Now I have about 500 due to being given some more last week. I keep them out all year and cover them with old sheets if the temps go below 50. I was told they can take it even lower though. Here's what I mainly wanted to say. I met an elderly lady through our local plant swap last week. She'll be 100 on December 16th. She said she had thousands of red amaryllis growing in her yard that she planted 20 years ago, when she moved from New York to Florida. She has them under her trees, and under the eaves of her house, lining all sides of her house.She gave me over 200 as she wanted to get rid of some of them. And all she wanted was 16 daylilies in return. As she wants some daylilies in her little front garden. So, I gave her some really pretty colors of daylilies. She said the Amaryllis naturalized and took over her yard. But I bet they're pretty when they bloom. She said a man was driving by her house when they were in bloom and stopped to talk to her. She was out in her yard gardening. (I hope I'm out in my yard gardening when I'm a few weeks away from my 100th birthday.) Anyway she said the man said he was from Texas and admired them. She said she let him fill two boxes full to take back with him to Texas. She really was a sweet woman. The oldest of 15 and out lived four of her siblings. So, I know they can be naturalized in central Florida Temps can get to 32 here. Although they tend to stay around 39 to 40 at the very coldest, only about a week during the very coldest of winter. It seems like you could naturalize them in Texas also. Put them in the ground late spring or when temps stay around 65. They have all summer to get used to it. Although they don't like harsh sun blasting on them. They prefer some light early morning sun and filtered shade the rest of the day during the hottest months. And at the most, maybe mulch them when winter comes if it's going to get in the teens. Maybe you could experiment and just mulch half and see if the ones un mulched do okay. Just my 2 cents worth.
...See More
WANTED: Trade Lists Ft Worth Autumn Swap November 1 2014
Q
Comments (135)
pkponder Maybe mine are too deep in the water. The rhizomes are about 4-6 inches below the surface. It's mainly just the tips, about 2 inches, of the leaves that turn brown, like all of them. It's on a cinderblock already, but maybe I need to put something else under it to raise it up a bit more. Can't hurt to try. One more question, whats a good media to use for repoting pond plants? I know both of mine came with the "sludge" type stuff in the pots but I don't recall seeing that type for sale anywhere. Any places around Ft. Worth that sell it? Or just the technical name of it so I can google around. Or maybe there's something better to use? Thanks again, Phil
...See More
KayLakeMan
18 years ago
Ditto.

I asked the same question at about this time last year, took the advice and bought 7 bulbs for a buck apiece and they are all now beauts
mariava7
18 years ago
Go for it Jen...you won't regret it!
soultan
16 years ago
Now it is time for the clearance bulbs that we run out of the regular ones.
jodik_gw
16 years ago
Yes, it's time to go check all the local stores for bulbs with low, low prices!
Amazindirt (7a TN)
16 years ago
I bought three Appleblossom the other day on clearance, all with buds. I know it's one of the most common, but I've always liked it. :-)

Does anyone know about any online sources having good clearance sales?
jodik_gw
16 years ago
If you like it, that's all that matters! Apple Blossom is a beautiful variety! I'm partial to Minervas, myself, and have about 4 bulbs... one was supposed to be a White Dazzler, and one was supposed to be an Apple Blossom... instead, they turned out to be Minervas, which is just fine because I happen to like that one!

I think Apple Blossom is a very feminine, softly colored flower, and it's beautiful! Good luck with yours!
mariava7
16 years ago
Our Food City here has marked down their SA ammies that finished blooming for $6.99. Not much of a clearance but I have seen them in bloom and they were healthy. They used to sell them for $14.99 (I think) before Christmas when they were in bloom.
They are unlabeled this year though but they have whites, maybe Wedding Dance or Intokazie and Red/Red Orange with very short scape most probably Merry Christmas. I got me one of each.
jodik_gw
16 years ago
Wonderful, Maria! I wish our local stores would order more than the usual, most common...
mariava7
16 years ago
No way am I going to buy amaryllis from HD anymore. I had very bad experience with them 2 times. Last year, I bought their boxed Piquant which turned out Gilmar. This year, I bought another boxed Piquant from them at regular price and here is what I got...

A mite infested Gilmar!!! It seems like their bulbs are getting worst!
{{gwi:384320}}

Jodi...You want any of those varieties? I can get you some and hold them till it's warm enough to ship them to you. I have a feeling they will still mark them down from $6.99. Nobody will buy them there (food store's flower shop) at that price except me...lol. If you like, I can wait for another mark down and get you some. Hopefully at $3-4 each.

Here they were when they were in bloom. The Blushing Bride and Wedding Dance I posted in "Come join me..." came from this batch. Unfortunately, they do not have Blushing Bride anymore. I will post a pic of Merry Christmas soon.

Food City SA varieties in bloom.
{{gwi:384321}}
soultan
16 years ago
Maria, how will you cure your new Gilmar?
It is so interesting. I wanted Gilmar for so long. Now I could buy one from amaryllis.com, and I am happy for it. And you... Just want to buy a Piquant and get served with Gilmar left and right... I don't know why, but I am attracted to Gilmar. I like bold varieties.
salpal
16 years ago
Maria, I also am envious that your "mistakes" turn out Gilmar. I am attracted to this variety too Soultan. However I am frustrated with "mitey"(little mitey?) bulbs, right now I have a Red Pearl I purchased this fall going mighty mitey on me. (Grrr) I am also so excited to report my honey gave me a sweet little digital camera and as soon as I have the time to figure it out (I'm working on it!)and then figure out this stuff about posting pics I can actually PARTICIPATE on this forum! Plus I have bulbs starting to bloom! (I wish to hurry too bad I have a long working weekend ahead!) Oh and my local nursery is letting their bulbs bloom right there in a large community box, then cutting off the dead scapes and still selling them regular price!
soultan
16 years ago
I never understood these stores. Why don't they plant the bulbs that are scaping out? They could sell them a little more expensive since they are planted, and there are impulse buyers (like me) who buy when they see the flower... What a waste... Sometimes I have the urge to go to them and tell them to give me the scaping bulbs, so I could plant them and bring them back to them to sell in full glory.
cindeea
16 years ago
It is a good thing the Doctor won't let me drive yet. All the clearance bins would be emptied out in my county! lol
jodik_gw
16 years ago
In my area, the bulbs that are not sold yet are rotting in the boxes! I bought a bulb for my daughter, and one each for both daughters-in-law... and I had a heck of a time finding decent bulbs, even though the shelf was loaded with kits! I had to open tons of boxes to find 3 good bulbs! Some were rotting, some were dead or dying, and some were trying so hard to grow that they were all twisted and broken inside the kit boxes! It's such a shame!

Thanks, Maria... I appreciate the offer, but I'm a little over my bulb budget right now! I have to start saving for the summer order, and I still have a few bulbs on order to pay off... but thank you for thinking of me! :-)

Gilmar is beautiful... if I had to get another mislabeled bulb, I wouldn't mind a bit if it turned out to be Gilmar!

Salpal, I can't wait to see your flowers! Study that camera manual! :-)
rjinga
16 years ago
I got one (all the others I've ever collected are outside) this one was like a buck and I put it in soil inside...It bloomed right away and did not long at all. not sure why exactly. Is this normal?

And now that it has bloomed, what do I do with it?
mariava7
16 years ago
Two seasons ago, I had a boxed Minerva that grew like this Gilmar. It also took two growing seasons for it to recover and I don't know if it will bloom this spring. Maybe I will dip or spray Orthenex once leaves come out. If this was an ordinary variety, it is going to the trash. But I love Gilmar too, so I might give this one a try for 1 growing season.

Just for fun...I'll pollinate the flowers and see what happens...lol! Can you imagine how that short bent scape would look like with seedpods? Would a mite infested ammie produce mite infested seeds too?

I also purchased a Gilmar from ABC this season. I am worried that it will turn out this way too. Raydio posted a pic of his Gilmar from ABC in DG and it looked exactly like the Gilmar pictured above..."mitey bulb". I hope not all the "Brasbonitas" Gilmars are like this.

Jodik...Your very welcome. You know I will do my best to do anything for you girlfriend. If they do mark it down again, I will buy some and maybe just take care of them. At least I know they are not mislabeled or mite infested as you can see in the pic above.

I would never ever ever buy a boxed ammie again from HD, WM or Lowes even if they sell them for a $1!!!

Oh one more thing you have to be aware of...virused bulbs! These virus cannot be seen by just looking at a bulb. You can only see evidence of this once they put up a scape or leafed out. Sometimes the virus would only show when the plant is stressed. The virus can be easily spread to other ammies by "sucking" insects and thrips. Be very careful with your purchases.
jodik_gw
16 years ago
Right now, I'm having a bit of a problem with fungus gnats... I originally thought they were fruit flies, but they seem to love my plants... so now, I'm thinking fungus gnats. I've read of a dozen or so ways to get rid if them, and since I really don't want to spray too much in the apartment, I'm going to try something that I can water in... possibly those mosquito thingys... I forget what they're called...

So, that's where I'm at! I have noticed a bit of those mites that Sir Hans describes... but nothing serious... I'm keeping my eye on the plant that had the red on the scape... it's a Minerva, and even though I don't want to, I may dispose of it... I probably should before it spreads!

Good luck with your Gilmar, Maria! I hope it makes seed pods for you!
mariava7
16 years ago
Jodik...Their called Mosquito Dunks. They do work great as I used them last winter as lora recomended them. I just pound them till they get powdered a bit, sprinkle them on top of the soil and water in. I don't have much problem with fungus gnats this time as I only use coco coir as potting mix now. The 3-in-1 spray you got will take care of them too. Did I get to send you GilmarXGilmar seeds or seedlings? I have seedlings of Gilmar crosses, almost a year old now, that I could send you in spring.

Thanks for the heads up on the seedpods. This Gilmar sure need a lot of luck. I did pollinate one of Gilmar's flowers with Merengue pollens sent by a friend. I think this sick Gilmar will give me at least 5 flowers to pollinate. I would try to use only diploid pollens this time. If it is too sick to bear pollination, it alright. I have other Gilmars to back me up with my plans.
cindeea
16 years ago
Maria, the Gilmar babies you sent me earlier are doing wonderfully! They seem to like their new home on my plant shelf by the pool. Also, Lora (where has that girl been lately) had send me "lil Pinkie" seeds awhile back and I have 4 of them that are growing right next to Gilmar. i think they are encourageing each other. LOL
mariava7
16 years ago
Cindee...Nice to know that they are doing great. :-)
I don't know if it is just me who noticed this...the seedlings grow better when they are planted close together. Do you think they can feel "bonding" too?
jodik_gw
16 years ago
Maria, the seedlings you sent me are doing wonderfully! You sent a Charisma x Ludwig's Dazzler and an Orange Sovereign x Orange Sovereign! They are both growing like crazy! The seedlings Cindee sent me, Lemon & Lime, are also doing very well!

You also sent me seeds, Gilmar x Gilmar and Fairy Tale x Supreme Garden... unfortunately, not one seed germinated! I have spent countless hours trying to figure out why they wouldn't germinate! I planted them according to Sir Hans' directions, just as he does, and I used a mix of coco coir and vermiculite as the medium... I covered the tray and kept in on a heat mat, and kept the tray moist, but not too soaked... they received light from a grow light, but not too much...

The same tray contained Daylily seeds, and they all germinated... so I can't figure out why the hippi seeds didn't! I'm stumped! I feel horrible about it, especially since they were a gift from you! I really wanted them to grow!

I've got seed pods ripening right now, and I think I'm going to try the flotation method this time... I've got nothing to lose... and for some reason, planting them in medium isn't working in my environment...

I know you and Cindee have warmer climates, and I'm sure that has a little bit to do with germination, but I'm pretty sure I gave them a nice indoor "climate" to start... if you have any suggestions, I'd be thrilled to hear them! I'd try about anything to ensure good germination on my next batch! What am I doing wrong, or not doing? Help!
cindeea
16 years ago
Jodie, perhaps patience is all you need. Some of my seeds take longer than others to germinate.

Maria, I always plant my seeds close. I think the do like being crowded and perhaps encourage others to grow. Sounds silly, I know, but it seems to work for me this way.
hopflower
16 years ago
I would say anything is worth a try in the plant world! Good luck.
elizabeth_jb
16 years ago
Jodie,

I have used BT in the liquid form known as Thuricide. You can find it at either Lowes or Home Depot. I don't really remember which. You have to look for ingredient on the label.

Here is a link that might be useful: BT
jodik_gw
16 years ago
Maria - I wish the mosquito dunks came individually... they only come in a 10 piece package... it just seems like a waste to buy 10, and only need 1! I have 3 different types of spray insecticides, which I'm giving a try... plus, I've been swatting them, too... I'll get rid of them...

Elizabeth - Thanks for the suggestion! I'll have to read the labels on my sprays... one of them probably contains the BT, and if not, I'll go to the stores and check labels... very interesting reading, that link was!

I think I'm going to try the flotation method with some seeds, and plant some... since we're getting closer to spring, I may have better luck with germination this time!

Clearence amaryllis- are they worth trying

Comments (27)

anna_in_quebec

sierra_z2b

Related Discussions

KayLakeMan

mariava7

soultan

jodik_gw

Amazindirt (7a TN)

jodik_gw

mariava7

jodik_gw

mariava7

soultan

salpal

soultan

cindeea

jodik_gw

rjinga

mariava7

jodik_gw

mariava7

cindeea

mariava7

jodik_gw

cindeea

hopflower

elizabeth_jb

jodik_gw

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US