Growing incredible Amaryllis bulbs

Step 1
Choose large plump bulbs as soon as they are available in autumn and winter. Plant the bulbs as soon as you buy them. If you have bought them for a gift then keep them in a cool, dry, dark place and gift-wrap them just before you need to give them. Amaryllis flower on very tall stems which can make them top heavy. Choose a heavy clay pot to plant them, or if you must use a plastic pot, place it inside a heavier pot to add weight to it. 

Step 2
Place a layer of Westland Bulb Planting Compost into the base of the pot. Spread the fleshy roots of the Amaryllis bulb on top of this compost. The neck of the bulb needs to protrude out of the pot by about a third. Make sure the sides of the bulb do not touch the side of the pot. Fill in around the bulb with more compost, firming it in gently. Water thoroughly and allow any excess water to drain off..

Step 3
Position your potted bulb in a light position in a draught free room. A windowsill is ideal, but keep the bulb away from radiators as soon as the flower bud starts to appear. As a rule the bulbs will flower 6-8 weeks after planting. Normally the flower bud appears before the leaves. Keep the compost just moist allowing it to dry out slightly in between watering. If the conditions are too warm the flower stem may grow taller and weaker and may need staking..