You might ask on the Amaryllis Forum, there're a bunch of knowledgeable & helpful people "over there".

Thanks Sylvia, I'll do that. I suspect that the instructions I've read that say "before the last frost" may not give enough time for this climate.

pull them out now, let the leaves brown and die.

Put them in a cool spot in your garage and leave them for at least 8 weeks, then plant and go. It might not take a full 8 weeks so better ask someone else just to be sure.

Cynthia, the folks on the Amaryllis Forum also say that now is the time. If anyone else is interested, here's a link to a good discussion on the subject.

Here is a link that might be useful: Putting Bulbs to Rest

Ours have been outside in a raised bed for years. They have multiplied and look spectacular every spring without our having done anything to "make them rebloom." All we do is keep the bed watered (sometimes with liquid fertilizer)throughout the year and provide support for the heavy blossoms during the March/April winds. The original bulbs came as Christmas gifts, etc., packaged in boxes with instructions for quick bloom.

lalo - I'm beginning to think that's a better approach, instead of trying to bring blooms back for the holidays. I'll see how well it goes this year.

lalo
do you know which varieties multiply better for you?

If you don't, would you describe those that do? I have one that took off and multiplied like baby bunnies and some like Dancing Queen, that haven't. I think Red Lion does, Fairy Tale does, I've heard Minerva does, but still waiting on that on.

I confess, I have them all around outdoors and I love them! They come up after the tulips and daffs but before any of the perennials take off.

BTW Van Engelen has some that are Christmas Blooming. They send them out early. Last year I had two types that only gave one stalk and they gave me credits for this year. Usually, theirs have at least 2 usually 3

Here is a link that might be useful: Amaryllis

You sent me a pic in email: That would be Red Lion. It's easy to come by and considered to be one of the best bulbs.

Do any of you have suggestions as to where to let my amaryllis bulb "rest"? I see that I should put it in a "cool, 55-degree place" like a garage, but here in San Antonio in my west-facing garage it's more like 90. =)

I'm thinking that putting the bulb in the refrigerator wouldn't be a good idea, but I really don't have any other cool place.

I have my bulbs on a closet shelf. I'll have to see how well they do.

Just wanted to mention American Meadows have some Bulbs
on sale. www.americanmeadows.com
Olga :)

I can't say for certain, but will way that my garage has a west wall too. I just put them in on the eastern side of the garage. Usually, I've forgotten about them. I don't know about the fridge, but as long as it doesn't freeze it might be good. Let us know if the folks on the amaryllis forum have an answer.

BTW, when you think of your 'ryllis, think of them in the big box stores. They live in little boxes and if you don't get yours early, but wait for the sale like me, you'll often find that they have sprouted and bloomed in the box. They are really tough! Don't need sun or water to bloom. I've even been told NOT to water until you see the bud begin to appear. Just pot up with peat or medium and let 'em sit.

They will not get going unless the temp is over 50 or 55 degrees. That's why if you want to speed yours up, you put it in a warmer place, if you want to slow them down put them in a cooler place.

When I get mine for Christmas presents in mid or late October, I let them sit in their bags and boxes in relative close proximity to a register vent. Then, when I'm ready to plant and give in mid Novemberm they are already showing buds. Then I pot them up and let them live outside where they get light and cool air to slow them down.

Caution, keep and eye on them so they don't get too long. Makes it difficult to deliver.... smiles