Looking good! Apple Blossoms are one of the more beautiful and delicate pinks, I think... I do like them!

Be aware, though, that both ingredients you have chosen, the peat and the vermiculite, are known for their greater water retention. In other words, I believe your mix will remain wetter longer than a mix made with ingredients that do not tend to hold moisture... for instance... perlite, pine bark, granite chips, pumice, etc...

Depending on your growing environment, the key is finding a good assortment of ingredients that balance each other, and help the medium to dry out in a reasonable amount of time to keep the roots healthy.

I doubt the number of scapes and buds of last year's Red Lions had much to do with the medium... I think that's more of a genetic issue, or one of light. The buds are already set within the bulb when you purchase it. However, a well-aerated, fast draining, porous medium, plus proper watering technique, will help ensure healthy roots on your bulbs. And with proper care, your bulbs will live for many, many years, giving you untold pleasure from their gorgeous blooms!

Your bulbs are going to look really nice when the flowers open fully! Be sure to post photos! :-)

I have read that it's possible to grow the bulb in no soil at all, like in river rocks. I might try that one too next year. White Flower Farm does this, although I wouldn't buy the bulbs there, tooooo expensive for me lol!

I love White Flower Farm's offerings... but they're out of my price range this year! It's like torture looking at their beautiful website!

Yes, you absolutely can grow bulbs in soil-less items, such as glass marbles, rocks, etc... as long the plant's needs are met, which are anchorage, moisture, and air... and nutrition, of course.

If you grow a Hippeastrum bulb in a vase of glass marbles and water, be sure the water level stays at the roots, and doesn't sit on the basal plate. Growing them in this manner should only be temporary, until they're done blooming. At that time, it's prudent to plant them in a more appropriate medium... one you can fertilize, etc...

I do wish I had a larger bulb budget this year... it's true that you get what you pay for, in terms of bulb size and health. I'd love to order from places like White Flower Farm... I need an unbreakable piggy bank to start a bulb fund in!

Kentstar, nice Apple Blossoms. They're going to look great when they're all in bloom, especially in that nice red pot. Alana

Wow, Kentstar, what a beautiful display. I love the way that you've set them up in a place on honour on that lovely table. They're going to be sensational.

Thankyou! :)

kentstar-I grow some of my Amaryllis in glass beads or stones and water. I have learned to keep the water just at the root tips to keep the roots from getting soggy and mushy. I love the contrast and interest the glass bowls/vases create with stones and then the soft petals and stems of the flowers. here's a couple of mine from the past.
{{gwi:406732}}From Amaryllis 2008-09

{{gwi:433842}}From Amaryllis

{{gwi:433843}}From Amaryllis

I'm trying that next year! Much more attractive than the soil I think! I love your idea of using those necklace beads for it :) And the river stones, very au natural! Very pretty! No more disks for me he,he,he.
What amaryllis is the lovely deep pink one? Apple Blossum is pretty but I would like a deeper pink one next time.

Cindee is quite creative! They all look great!

I haven't tried the vase and water yet... I don't really have a suitable vase that a bulb will fit in. I'll have to keep my eyes open at the next flea market!

kentstar-that lovely dinner-platter sized pink bloom is my Pink Diamond. She had a tough summer, so I hope she comes back this winter.

Pink Diamond
{{gwi:433844}}From Amaryllis

The 'necklace' is actually a cheap bead garland from the Dollar Store

cindeea, I will put my hippes outside this summer here in Z5, so would you please elaborate what you mean by "she had a rough summer so I hope she comes back this winter." What constituted a rough summer for you in Ft. Myers?
Pat

I may have to look at Walmart, they have a lot of clear, cheap vases and such, as well as the rocks and beads.

Hey pat-I grew up in K'zoo!!

I had my Pink Diamond in a pot outside and the bottom got clogged up and I did not realize it so she got a bunch of rot. Her bulb is a shadow of the Jumbo she once was. Generally my bulbs grow huge and healthy here in Florida over the summer. I just have to be careful of too much rain.

Now I know what to do with all those Mardi Gras beads beside throw them off the float.

My apple blossoms are all about to open too, I've very anxious to see if any of them are "real" apple blossoms.
Tally HO!