Mid-Atlantic Gardening: Amaryllis thread part 2 , 1 by critterologist

critterologist wrote:
I have to disagree about stem length... I'm not sure what makes the difference, but I've had both newly-purchased and "saved" amaryllis bulbs that bolted their blooms on very short stalks, ones that shot up between 2 and 3 feet, and lots that were in between. Some shorter stalks are less sturdy and need staking, and some taller stalks are astoundingly stout... I had one once that peeked over my kitchen table, no stake needed.

I have come to appreciate "miniature" amaryllises, though, as their bloom stalks are generally under 20 inches (not sure where the official cut-off is for the height of a "miniature") and seldom need support. The bulbs are generally smaller, also, and cute in a little pot or planted with 3 or 5 bulbs in a larger pot or oblong container. I gave my MIL 5 bulbs of 'Trentino' that bloomed for weeks and weeks... she's still talking about them. :-)

This 'Double Queen' from 2008 holds the height record for me... 37 inches from the base of the bulb to the top edge of the petals... in its pot, that made it tall enough to see from the other side of the table. Stunning!