Get an early start in planting

It's the first week in January. If you're a pessimist, you are thinking the season of cold winter weather is upon us. On the other hand, if you are an optimistic gardener, you are thinking that planting season is only six weeks away. All gardeners in the Heartland know that the official planting season begins on Valentine's Day, the traditional time to plant lettuce seed.

This is all well and good, but I am not sure that I want to wait until Valentine's Day to start the growing season. After all, six weeks is a long time to keep my hands out of the dirt. If you feel the same way I do, then find an amaryllis bulb at your local garden center and start the growing season now.

These bulbs are easy to plant and maintain. Select a bulb that is firm. Make sure the color of the bloom will fit with your décor. A picture on the side of the package will give you an idea of the color.

Next, look for a pot that is only one to two inches larger than the diameter of the bulb. Place one to two inches of potting mix in the bottom of the pot. Then place the bulb on this layer of potting mix. Be sure to spread the bulb roots out over the surface of the potting mix.

Then fill the pot with potting mix, making sure that the bulb remains in the center of the pot. When done, you want the surface of the potting mix about an inch below the rim of the pot. This allows for ease of watering. In addition, you want the upper third of the amaryllis bulb to be above the potting mix surface. You may have to move the bulb up or down in the pot to get it positioned just right.

The amaryllis from bulb to bloom. (LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com)

Next, water the planted bulb with a solution of high phosphorous fertilizer such as a 9-59-8. This high concentration of phosphorous will encourage rapid root development needed for the bulb to flourish and flower profusely.

Place the planted bulb in a warm area within your home. Warmth is needed for the bulb to grow rapidly and develop properly.

In addition, place the planted bulb next to a window so the developing shoot can be exposed to a lot of light. This will encourage the stem to grow shorter, yet stocky. A spindly stem would not hold up a large bloom very well.

After planting, check the potting mix daily. Put your finger in the mix. If the soil mix is dry, water it until it is saturated. Make sure excess moisture is drained off.

About once a week when watering, use a solution of the same 9-59-8 instead of just plain water. The nutrients will enhance better plant development.

For the next four to six weeks you can watch mother nature develop a plant that will produce some of the most gorgeous blooms you have ever seen. And you can enjoy spring about six weeks earlier than everyone else in the Heartland.

Send your gardening and landscape questions to Paul Schnare at P.O. Box 699, Cape Girardeau, MO 63702-0699 or by email to news@semissourian.com.