The amaryllis, a tender bulb, is an exquisite flowering plant, and is often received as a gift during the holidays from a thoughtful friend. It is easy to grow - just follow the accompanying instructions, and within a few weeks you will see growth begin; and after several more weeks the flowers will be putting on a magnificent display.

However, when the blooms have died, not all is lost. With just a minimal amount of care the bulb should bloom again next year. Begin by removing the flower stalk; and then place the plant in a sunny window [1]. Keep the plant moist, but not wet, and fertilize it regularly.

Then in June when all danger of frost has passed, move the plant outdoors to spend the summer in a sunny yet protected location, such as nestled among the daylilies [2]. It is important to continue providing fertilizer every two weeks, and water when needed.

In September before the nights get frosty, bring the plant inside and give the bulb a rest by withholding water and allowing the leaves to dry up. After two months of resting, the bulb is ready to be forced into bloom again. Remove the top 1-2 inches of soil [3] and replace it with new sterile potting soil; and resume watering the bulb. This will iniate a new cycle of growth that will be capped off with the production of those gorgeous flowers remembered from a year ago.