Add Some Colour to Your Winter

Welcome to my new website and blog! I’d like to start off by saying that I hope you like the changes we’ve made and to leave us a comment about it on Facebook or send us your thoughts via email feedback@markcullen.com.

And now for a bit of fun and much needed winter colour. The Amaryllis.

 

 With outdoor gardening pretty much wrapped up, now is the time to bring the summer garden colours indoors. And the best part is that the Amaryllis is fool-proof!

 Step 1: Getting a Bulb

Now I may be a little biased here but I highly recommend you look into the Mark’s Choice Amaryllis kits available at Home Hardware. There are two beautiful colour options: red and white striped and a brilliant red. Not only do these come with a blooming guarantee, they come with a ceramic planter perfectly sized for the extra large bulb.

Step 2: Taking Your Bulb Home

Depending on the bulb you purchased, your next steps can vary. If you’ve purchased the Mark’s Choice Kit, instructions are included within each box. If you purchased bulk bulbs, it is suggested that you soak the base of the bulb and the roots for a few hours in warm water. Remember to do this immediately or keep it stored in a cool, dry place until you can.

Step 3: Potting Up Your Bulb

The Mark’s Choice Kit comes with soil so no need to fuss over that if you chose that route. If not, you will need some quality potting soil in order for the plant to produce several brilliantly-coloured blooms.

You will notice that the bulb has roots at one end and a “neck” at the other. In putting the bulb into the soil, be sure not to damage the roots and do not bury the neck.

Step 4: Watering, Light, and General Care

Place the pot in direct light in a room with average temperatures of about 20°C. Water sparingly but be sure to keep an eye on your bulb. Once the stem begins to grow, you will need to water more frequently. Don’t let the soil become soggy.

As the stem grows, turn the whole plant once every few days to encourage 3-4 evenly -sized flowers to bloom. It will take anywhere from seven to ten weeks for flowers to form.

And there it is! A beautiful flower to add some much needed colour to a backdrop of white. It makes a great gift for any occasion even if it’s a gift to yourself!