Hippeastrums

 My friend Sami introduced me to these beautiful Hippeastrum flowers which are annual flowering bulbs, also known as amaryllis. 

I only planted the bulbs in September and they have started to bloom, I guess I gave them the best start in life. 

I went to Bunnings and.bought the double ones, Sami gave me the single ones which haven't sprouted flowers yet, not sure why. They aren't cheap, one bulb costs $21.

Here's a LINK to information on Hippeastrum and a VIDEO on how to harvest the seeds. 

How to take care of your bulb after it has flowered.

January to August is its after care season so it can guarantee blooming.

Feed during summers months liquid low nitrogen 0/10/10 or 5/10/10 ratio.

Dormancy period keep bulb in pot, keep in cooler temperature and darker spot. Good healthy watering, prune yellow foliage for 6 - 8 weeks. Do not water while in storage. Do not water when you bring out until you see new growth.

How to plant with seeds in water until they germinate.

How to propagate from a bulb.

How to pollinate. Gardening is my passion. Size of pot to plant in 

How to plant sprouts that were germinated in water. Fill bucket with water and place seeds in them. Plant out sprouted seeds at edge of pot so the leaf can lean onto edge of pot so they dont rot.

Top soil, sand, perlite or vermiculite mix. Soak with water everyday, keep moist for 3 weeks before they start to  sprout. Fertilise once a week with water soluble feed. 

Seeds will last up to a year if refrigerated. They do not last outside and needs to be planted immediately.