Issue: Decem1er 29, 2001

Amaryllis bulb gift

For Christmas I was given a large bulb in a box. The label said "Amaryllis". What do I do? Can I follow the directions on the box?

I will give instructions based on how I have grown and flowered my amaryllis for 5 years in a row. You should plant it in a pot that is one to-two-inches larger in diameter than the bulb. Use a good potting soil. I prefer one that drains well to prevent water-logging and disease problems. A well-drained soil is also easier to re-moisten after it dries. When you plant the bulb, leave the top and neck of the bulb above the level of the soil. This is one of the bulbs which should not be completely covered. The first growth you observe will probably be the blossom stalk. It will amaze you how fast the bulb will begin to grow and flower. Then leaves will begin appearing. As the leaves develop, it is important that the plant be in bright light. Direct sunlight is not necessary. Once flowering has ended, fertilize occasionally with a houseplant fertilizer. When the weather is warm, it may be moved outdoors to a location protected from wind. Again, it doesn't need direct light, but bright light is important. Water often enough to keep the soil from being completely dry. In the autumn, allow the plant to dry well between waterings and keep it in a cool, but not freezing, location. Cool, dry conditions initiate flower development. It doesn't hurt if the leaves turn yellow and die back. Once the blossom stalk appears, begin increasing the amount of water you provide. Continue this process, making sure the plant receives adequate light in the spring and summer, cool and dry conditions in the fall, and doesn't freeze. This should allow you to enjoy amaryllis flowers for many years.

Living Christmas tree and frozen ground!

I bought a "living" Christmas tree with the intention of planting it after Christmas. In my area, the ground is frozen hard and I will not be able to plant it now. What should I do?

It is important to keep the tree from drying out, so the first recommendation is keep it in a place where you can moisten the root ball. This location should be cool. Gradually move it to cooler and cooler locations. Indoor heating dries the air, draws moisture from the needles and prevents the tree from preparing for growth in the spring. After it has been in a warm room for a week or two, it has lost hardiness, so it must be gradually acclimated to cold conditions again. Your goal is to be able to move it outside within a few weeks. Once outside, be sure the root ball is moist. If you can't dig a hole in which to plant it, at least mound soil or bark mulch around the root ball to conserve moisture and keep the root temperature constant and moderate. While it is in a waiting location, a shady place is best. Under these conditions, the tree should survive until you are able to work the soil and plant it. Be sure to follow current planting recommendations by loosening the soil over an area at least three times the diameter of the root ball, digging the planting hole no deeper than the depth of the root ball, removing the root ball coverings from the top one-half to two-thirds the depth of the root ball after placing it in the planting hole, and adding organic material to the whole area of the loosened soil, not just to the area immediately around the root ball. If you plan to plant the Christmas tree in the future, prepare the planting site and dig the hole before the ground freezes. Then fill the hole with straw to keep it open and store the soil for refilling the hole in an area where it won't freeze.

Also, please join us on Southwest Yard & Garden, a weekly program made for gardeners in the Southwest. It airs on KRWG in Las Cruces Saturdays at 11:30 a.m., repeating Thursdays at 1:00 p.m.; on KENW in Portales on Saturdays at 10:00 a.m.; and on KNME in Albuquerque on Saturdays at 9:30 a.m.

Send your gardening questions to Yard and Garden, ATTN: Dr. Curtis Smith NMSU Cooperative Extension Service 9301 Indian School Road, NE, Suite 112 Albuquerque, NM 87112

Curtis W. Smith, Ph.D., is an Extension Horticulture Specialist with New Mexico State University's Cooperative Extension Service. New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator.

Please join us on Southwest Yard & Garden, a weekly garden program made for gardeners in the Southwest on: KNME-TV Albuquerque at 9:30 p.m. Saturdays, KENW-TV Portales at 10 a.m. Saturdays, and KRWG-TV Las Cruces at 11:30 a.m. Saturdays (repeated at 1 p.m. Thursdays.)