Red Blotch on Ameryllis Bulbs?

[katsrevenge]

Originally Posted by estación seca

Hipps tend to be dug for sale in the fall only. There might be a few tired ones that didn't sell if you go to the store in person. If you get on good terms with your local family-owned nursery they may be able to order some nice ones for delivery next fall.

They may have been 'garden' bulbs, they were sold bare bulbed in a bin next to bins of tulips and other spring planted stuff. Maybe it's just too early yet for them...haven't seen the other stuff yet either.

I know most are sold in the fall, forced for Xmass. Only ever bought one like that, it lost it's flower scape. It was my first one, the others came from that bin. And yeah, I know waiting would get me nicer ones (and now I've been looking around online there are some NICE ones out there!) but I kind of like having a garishly colored big flower around in April... there just aren't many choices I can grow!

[Dollythehun]

I've only seen bins of bulbs in the fall. Try Mclure and Zimmerman, to. I'm mad at them as they screwed up my whole order last year but they are normally reliable.

I'd offer you some but mine look like crud this year because I got tired of them and thus lazy.

[Subrosa]

I was pretty bummed, the one I purchased has grown but didn't flower. I'll have to put it through the false dormancy and see if it goes. I have some Clivia nobilis pollen in the fridge I'd like to hit it with.

[No-Pro-mwa]

Wow, thanks es. Yep always thought one had to put them in a small pot. I was going to order some from John Sheepers but never got around to it.

So I just went and checked and they still have the Red Pearl, which is very dark red and one that I wanted. I better get after it.

So Kat if you want that color go get it. Es how course does that sand have to be?

[estación seca]

White sand sold for kids' sand boxes is too fine. Coarser is better. I buy plain builder's sand at Home Depot, in a 40# / 18kg paper sack, intended for mixing with Portland cement. It would probably be better for me to sieve out the fines with a closely woven food colander, but I've been too lazy for that. Plus in my heat they dry out fairly quickly. I can grow them outdoors in summer; they have never turned a hair at our summer temperatures, up to 122 F / 50C so long as not in full sun.

Sand is sourced locally to save on shipping costs, so it varies all over the country. The stuff sold at the Home Depots near my mom's house in southern California is from a different company than what I get here in Phoenix, in a plastic bag, and is coarser than what I have. Her sand is probably better, but I'm not interested in transporting sacks of sand almost 400 miles.

A benefit to growing them in large containers, with most of the bulb exposed, is you have lots of offsets to trade.

[katsrevenge]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

I've only seen bins of bulbs in the fall. Try Mclure and Zimmerman, to. I'm mad at them as they screwed up my whole order last year but they are normally reliable.

I'd offer you some but mine look like crud this year because I got tired of them and thus lazy.

That's sweet, but it's OK. I think I found a source, they say they don't ship till spring though! Ah well.. they keep saying patience is a virtue..

Originally Posted by Subrosa

I was pretty bummed, the one I purchased has grown but didn't flower. I'll have to put it through the false dormancy and see if it goes. I have some Clivia nobilis pollen in the fridge I'd like to hit it with.

I had one do that one year, just summer it over, feed it lots and next year should be OK. I keep seeing to leave them potted but on their sides too,when they are 'sleeping', maybe try that? (I've never tried it, I might though!)

No-Pro-mwa I missed that one! I also found some named ones in stock from a guy called 'Amaryllis Man' and 'garden amaryllis' from Michigan Bulb. I've never bought from either.

And again, thank you all for your help. Hopefully I can avoid this happening in the future.

[Dollythehun]

I would avoid Michigan Bulb. Unless they've changed dramatically, their stock is tiny.

[No-Pro-mwa]

Originally Posted by estación seca

White sand sold for kids' sand boxes is too fine. Coarser is better. I buy plain builder's sand at Home Depot, in a 40# / 18kg paper sack, intended for mixing with Portland cement. It would probably be better for me to sieve out the fines with a closely woven food colander, but I've been too lazy for that. Plus in my heat they dry out fairly quickly. I can grow them outdoors in summer; they have never turned a hair at our summer temperatures, up to 122 F / 50C so long as not in full sun.

Sand is sourced locally to save on shipping costs, so it varies all over the country. The stuff sold at the Home Depots near my mom's house in southern California is from a different company than what I get here in Phoenix, in a plastic bag, and is coarser than what I have. Her sand is probably better, but I'm not interested in transporting sacks of sand almost 400 miles.

A benefit to growing them in large containers, with most of the bulb exposed, is you have lots of offsets to trade.

You know what I should do is now that it's winter I should go get the small rocks from the ant hills that are all over my place. Fire ants you know. That would be real course, too course?

[estación seca]

Originally Posted by No-Pro-mwa

You know what I should do is now that it's winter I should go get the small rocks from the ant hills that are all over my place. Fire ants you know. That would be real course, too course?

I think that would work. A lot of cactus growers use anthill excavations for top dressing, by the way.

Fire ants? I thought they couldn't take cold winters? That's what's kept them out of Arizona so far. The north and east of our state get cold in the winter.

[Dollythehun]

Yes, please elaborate on the ant situation.