The Potted Amaryllis

Dear readers,

We all know by now that Amaryllis is in high demand during the Christmas season, at least here in Europe. It is popular not only as a cut flower or as a dry and ready to plant bulb, but also as a potted plant. Every year, millions of potted Amaryllis bulbs are sold all over Europe, in the gardening centers, at local florists, in supermarkets and you name it, literally everywhere. It just so happens that Carlos and I went to visit some of our Amaryllis growers the other week, just in time to see how the potted Amaryllis bulbs are prepared for us, here in the Netherlands. The story I am writing today is about this: how the potted Amaryllis bulbs are planted, stored and sold, to be offered as a gift during the Christmas season.

Since early flowering is required, most of these potted Amaryllis bulbs are actually grown in the Southern Hemisphere, in countries like Peru or Brazil. For them it is the reverse season of the year, hence they push their flowering stems very fast and bloom usually within 3 to 4 weeks from planting. The process starts with this is a semi-automated machine: from the top the soil mix is pushed down, while the pots are placed into the round from the bottom up, while someone places the bulbs in the middle of the pot Then, the pots go on an automated lane, where each pot receives just enough water for the bulbs to start growing From the automated lane, the bulbs are transported into designated places in the greenhouse, where they stay for about a week, just enough to get them started Once they reach 5 to 10 cm in height, the bulbs are pressed again into the soil one more time (for stability purposes), each pot gets a corresponding label and they are placed on trays, after which they are stored in cooling rooms at +5 degrees C

This way, millions of Amaryllis bulbs are planted and treated each year. I am quite convinced that in other parts of the world it is very similar, however this is the process here in Europe. Quite simple and straightforward, isn’t it? We took these pictures at Gebrs. Van Velden, one of the biggest Amaryllis growers in the Netherlands. They prepare thousands upon thousands of potted Amaryllis bulbs and every day there are numerous trucks leaving their warehouse.

Talking about potted Amaryllis, are you also one of those people who buy this product during the Christmas season, either as a gift or for your home? Please let us know via email. We are thinking of offering “potted Amaryllis” options next season, since we always need nice gifts to offer to our family and friends.

As for this season, in 2024, we are very grateful to see so many of you to order Amaryllis bulbs from us. In case you need some more gifts this Christmas season, here are some suggestions: This is ‘Glee’, a variety with mid size blooms, in the most perfect candy cane pattern: just right as a Christmas gift! She has a long vase life too and my favorite thing about her is her wavy petals It wouldn’t be Christmas without something white, right? This is ‘Polar Belle’, a newer variety that has rather short, but very sturdy stems (that never flop over) and super double blooms. Sometimes, she even shows a tinge of pink, and she grows leaves in the same time with her flower stems, making the overall ensemble even better This is ‘Silver Cream’, or previously called ‘Silver Queen’ and my favorite thing about her is the color contrast between the front and back side of her petals. Her warm color will brighten your mood anytime you will look at her! As for warm colors, if you prefer doubles more, you need to get a ‘Sunshine Nymph’, a newer hybrid from the Nymph series, often mistaken for her older sister ‘Sunny Nymph’. The good part about this one is her improved stem stability, that do not easily break nor flop over, under her heavy double blooms And last, but not least, ‘Ruby Star’ has been one of my top 5 varieties since I saw her for the first time in the early 2000’s, when I was a teenager. She is just perfect: a big and bold plant that has beautiful ruby red & green cream blooms, with an extensive flower/ vase life. She grows problem free and never fails to impress. Whenever I have her in bloom, all who see her say “Aww, she is just so gorgeous!”. Some hybrids are just like this, timeless in their beauty

We hope these recommendations help you and as always, please write us an email if you need something very specific. Given that our collection is quite extensive this year, we have various options.

Speaking of gifts, we have recently put together some bundles for you: with Amaryllis, spring bulbs and peonies. The overall price for these bundles is lower than if you buy each article separately, so you save some money for other projects. Please let us know via email if these types of bundles are something that interests you, thank you.

And now something administrative: the following week is the last week when you can order spring bulbs with us: tulips, daffodils or other spring flowering bulbs. If you need any help with selecting amongst the varieties we have left, we are happy to help you.

The Christmas season has begun, so make sure to get all those needed gifts before it gets overcrowded at the post office. The earlier you order, the better!

Peace, love and Holidays cheer,

Vlad Hempel