Saving Amaryllis to bloom again next year?

I bought several amaryllis this year. One was a complete dud...only leaves and a small bud at the base that just withered and did nothing. Not sure why.

For next year: Does anyone know how to save your bulbs for next year and if you have to do anything specific (ie in the dark for a while before trying to force again)? I know paperwhites cannot be reforced, but someone told me Amaryllises can.

THANKS in advance

I move mine outdoors and acclimate them to full sun gradually, water them when they need it, fertilize them a couple times through summer, and move them back indoors where I water them sparingly. Have a few already putting on bloom buds with one that was starting to open yesterday. Fairly easy plant to keep going for years.

I put them out for the summer with water and fertilizer. Often they experience a light frost before I bring them in. I do not water at all once they are brought inside. I store them in the basement for a month or two, then start watering again. I have had some for as long as 8 yrs now.They bloom very well and are a fun winter project for me.

http://www.usna.usda.gov/Gardens/faqs/AmaryllisBloom.html

Wow, I thought they just went into storage. It never occurred to me to put it outside at all after blooming.

Bleek, this is a great site...with step by step instructions! THANKS!

I had this link on my site when I did the Amaryllis Co-op. As a matter of fact I still have it on my site.

Was telling my coworker and she's "donating" her amaryllis this year to see if I can get them to come back next year as well.

I just keep them indoors in a south or west-facing window and they last for many years, but mine seem to bloom at odd times, not at yearly intervals. You do have to repot them every few years and put the "daughter" bulbs into new containers when they are big enough.

The information contained is great. However does the zone one is in matter. . I just received 2 beautiful bulbs - Amaryllis are available at this time frame here in Houston. So any chance I can get some flowers from these bulbs? I have planted them in sun with partial shade outside.

Jamper, it's a guess. If you don't know age of bulb, or whether they bloomed recently or whether they might be stressed from being in a box for many weeks, they may bloom this year or they may not. One thing is for sure, with proper care they will bloom sooner or later. You know you can grow them inground, don't you? Full sun, part sun, is fine. Just watch that they don't get direct hit from sprinkler or otherwise overwatered. That will kill them fast.

Having said all that, I do have a couple that have never bloomed but when I have uprooted to examine the bulb, they are nice and hard. So I just plant them right back, understanding they will bloom when ready

Thanks for the information and your experience. Have also planted Asiatic Lilies ? I received some flowers and came with is an enormous lily white and nearly 9 inches across. Do you have recommendation for where to find a reliable source for their bulbs? I need to start learning and planting these

B&D lilies is my go to online source. They hv a good selection of lilies that do especially well in our area and if you email your info they will make excellent suggestions for you. They sell out fast so keep that in mind. The white one that you have sounds like an Easter lily and that will perform wonderfully for you.

Fragrant asiatics seem to be the ones that do best for me.

I did call B & D and received a very un encouraging response - " our plants are not meant for the south and we mainly sell north of here - just search your local nurseries ". Almost rude.
Maybe I will try again. Appreciate your update.

I plant my Amaryllis in the ground each summer in a raised bed with very good, rich soil.

Jamper, my apologies for not responding sooner, I unmarked the thread accidentally. I just wanted to comment on your unfortunate conversation with b&d staffer. They might have been busy on that day. I have spoken to owner and have gotten more than enough attention from her. Maybe somebody will post her name and next time you can specifically ask for her.

Meanwhile, search her catalog for scented asiatics and you should have lilies that will do well in your garden. Having said that, it remains to be seen whether lilies will survive all the rains were enduring.

I have dealt with B and D bulbs also. I did not call them but sent an e-mail. They responded rather quickly answering the questions I had. They did give me a couple of suggestions if I remember correctly.
If you want to contact them again, you might want to send them an e-mail. They could answer at their leisure and look through their products to determine the best ones for you.
I would also mention you were referred from a fellow Dave's Garden member. The name Dave's Garden carries some clout.

my amaryllises are planted out for the summer! even got a couple of blooms, although mostly they will bloom inside this winter.

I used guidelines from the national arboretum as well as my own experience writing my "amaryllis 101" articles for DG. see http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/468

thinking about getting a local group order for lilies, either B&D or The Lily Garden -- anybody have good, recent experience with the latter?