It's about time to dig, then what?

10 years ago

Summer is waning, autumn is in the air. I know it is about time to dig my amaryllis. I would appreciate an expert filling me in or correcting me on my method.

I typically dig the bulbs and let them dry out for a couple weeks in my shed. Then I cut off the drying leaves, put each bulb in a paper bag, and store them in the coolish basement. I have about 25 bulbs. This is a big job for me. Have had mixed results in recent years. I've had some red spot problems and it seems to be spreading to more and more bulbs. Any tips on that would be appreciated too.

Is the drying process necessary? Can I cut the leaves immediately after digging? What about trimming off SOME of the roots? Is that a no-no?

Featured Answer

JoshY

10 years ago

last modified: 10 years ago

Stangonspora curtisii is more prevalent in cooling weather with too much moisture. I notice it starts really appearing during fall or early spring when the cooler night time temperatures reach dew point causing plants to remain moist, although it can appear at any time.

First, I would suggest removing your plants from conditions such as those, where the plants remain moist during cool periods. Your plants need to dry thoroughly.

Some in moderate infections will just use a fungicide, I have seen both copper and sulfur based fungicides recommended. I know you can find sulfur fungicides in powder form that you can sprinkle the plant with, there are also sprays that I think work well, too. I would probably recommend a spray unless you're treating a small area of the plant.

In really bad infections, I've seen some recommend removing the affected parts of the plant followed by a dipping in a bleach or hydrogen peroxide solution and then further treating with a fungicide application. Here is a link that can give you some more information if you're interested

http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/StagonosporaCurtisii

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Comments (7)

itsmce (zone 6b, Kansas)
Original Author
10 years ago
No one has any advice for me?
kaboehm (zone 9a, TX USA)
10 years ago
where do you live? That would be helpful.
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itsmce (zone 6b, Kansas)
Original Author
10 years ago
Southcentral Kansas, zone 7a, according to USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. I wouldn't have thought that zone would have made a difference in my questions. Sure, the timing of when to dig, but other than that, shouldn't amaryllis all be handled the same? Just so they are dug before first frost, I figure I'm fine. But...it's all the other questions that I'm not sure about.

Thanks in advance for the help!
bragu_DSM 5
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
from the FAQ … link below

"If you want blooms at Christmas, you would force a dormancy by withholding water, starting around the second week in August. You would place the pot in a dark, cool basement or a garage that doesn't freeze, and you would allow it about a 10-12 week rest. Some people will tip the pot on its side so they remember not to water. Once the leaves have died back, they can be removed.

After the 10-12 weeks, check the bulb... there may some bud growth at this point. In any case, bring it back into a warm, bright room and water it. You should see growth begin shortly ...

—per Jodik

check this link for the FAQ
itsmce (zone 6b, Kansas)
Original Author
10 years ago
I stood in my garden and counted bulbs yesterday. 32! Some of those now have offsets big enough that they'll probably produce a bloom. So...32 becomes 40-45. Yikes. What a job I have ahead of me. Started the digging process. I dug only 6 yesterday and left them in the garden, shaded by potato plants, to start to dry out. I am thinking that I will dig several every week or two as long as the weather is safely above freezing. My thought is that this will spread the blooming season a bit for me next winter/spring. After all, there's only so much room on my plant shelf to accommodate potted bulbs.

I am still hoping someone will offer suggestions on how to cut down an the amount of the red blotch that many of my bulbs have.
jstropic (10a)
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Stagonospora curtissi or red blotch becomes a problem when there is too much moisture. I am in a different climate than you, however, I'll try to offer some advice If you have a significant problem with this then I would clean the bulb, soak or spray fungicide, then let dry completely before storing (talking days or weeks). What do you store the bulbs in - vermiculite? Red blotch is everywhere (unless you're growing in a lab lol), excessive moisture makes it a problem. Cool temps and moisture can make it a big problem. Hope this helps