Let’s face it, we all have people in our lives that are impossible to buy for. With Christmas right around the corner, if you have someone that you just can’t find that perfect gift for, give them some flowering bulbs. This is a gift that they will have for years to come as bulbs do come back every year and they will always remember you with fond memories. (photo courtesy: Breck’s)

Christmas is a time for giving and now you can order some bulbs at incredible prices. For example, Breck’s which is a very reputable bulb company is offering 25% discount on selected bulbs for Christmas. They have lots of bulbs to choose from in their Holiday Collection but you have to hurry and order by December 15th to lock in your savings.

These bulbs come from Holland and Breck’s uses the most efficient way to ship them to you via US Parcel Service or United Parcel Service. They guarantee that all of their holiday gift items ordered before December 15th will be delivered by Christmas Eve. So hurry and get your order in for all those special people on your list. Here are a few of the bulbs in their collection.

Twinkle Twinkle Holiday Star Amaryllis
This gorgeous red amaryllis is known as the Star of Holland because of its dramatic white star in the center of each bloom. Amaryllis is truly a traditional symbol of the holiday season and you can expect to get 6-8 flowers that measure 8″ across from 1-bulb planter. (photo courtesy: Breck’s)

Sleigh Bell Daffodil
Daffodils are an old time favorite of many people and very easy to grow. Sleigh Bell Daffodil produces multiple blooms per stem of beautiful soft yellow flowers that are accented by a darker cup. It has very sturdy stems that grow up to 10″ tall. In this collection, you will get 3 potted bulbs in a 4″ pot that comes wrapped in green foil and produces 18-21 blooms. (photo courtesy: Breck’s)

Christmas Charm Hyacinth
This is another old time favorite and heavenly fragrant. Christmas Charm Hyacinth produces hundreds of tiny florets and one stem is enough to perfume a whole room. It has strong stems and lavender bell flowers with white markings and you can get 3 potted bulbs in a 6″ pot wrapped in green foil. These bulbs are already sprouted so you can have flowers in just a few weeks. (photo courtesy: Breck’s)

Go ahead and get your order in to arrive just in time for the holidays. You will have peace of mind knowing that you’ve purchased your bulbs from a very reputable company like Breck’s.

There are many varieties of bulbs available in the market today but not all are shipped within the same timeframe. For example, spring flowering bulbs are shipped in the fall because they need a cold period during the winter to begin their growth cycle. Summer flowering bulbs are shipped in the spring. The fall is upon us, the time to plant your spring blooming bulbs is now. Listed below are some the most common flowering bulbs that are shipped during the fall season.

Tulips

Tulips are very easy to grow. Perennial tulips are preferred over hybrids because these come back faithfully year after year. To ensure the highest level of performance from perennial tulips, plant the bulbs in well drained soil. This will help prevent disease and fungus directly on the bulbs. Be sure the bulbs are planted deep. If you measure from the base of the bulb, plant them about 6 inches deep. It is recommended that you water them after planting. This will ensure that the bulbs develop strong root system before going into their winter dormancy. (photo courtesy: Breck’s)

Daffodils

An old time favorite, daffodils bloom forever. It has been said that daffodils can bloom for up to 30 or even 50 years. That is awesome! To grow gorgeous daffodils, plant them in an area where the grass can be left un-mown until the foliage has matured. This area should be sunny and with good drainage. For a dramatic look, plant drifts of the same kind and the same color. You can do this by taking a handful of bulbs and throwing them about for a natural feeling distribution and just dig where the bulbs land.

Hyacinths

History tells us that Dutch bulb growers have cultivated hyacinths since the 17th century and more than 2,000 varieties were available by 1838. The unique upright shape of the flower spike and gorgeous colors made hyacinths a favorite for Victorian gardens. These are a member of the lily family and the only connection might be that hyacinths are tubular and very fragrant. For a dramatic look in your spring garden, plant an entire bed of the same hyacinth variety and color. Hyacinths return year after year adding beauty to a garden. (photo courtesy: Breck’s)

Lilies

Lilies are very easy to grow and those that ship in the fall are in the perennial family which means that they come back every year and require very little care. Lilies have beautiful robust flowers and you can get them in a wide array of colors, different shapes and sizes. If I was to describe lilies, I would say that the flowers are clump-forming with fibrous or tuberous roots. Lilies are also excellent as cut flowers and a favorite of most florists. (photo courtesy: Breck’s)

Crocus

Crocus usually blooms very early in the spring. It is amazing to see these beauties pop up in February from a mound of snow. Their timing is perfect and bloom well before any grass starts to grow. By the time the grass is ready to be mowed, the crocus are finished for the season. For an impressive look, plant them in masses. Choose a sunny area in the garden or even a lawn and plant large drifts using groupings of 30 bulbs spaced about 4 inches apart. According to many gardeners, crocus will thrive and bloom for 20 years or more and require very little care. (photo courtesy: Breck’s)

Amaryllis

Amaryllis is a beautiful flower that resembles a lily and usually thrives in the South but can be planted indoors in containers in colder regions. They come in many varieties and colors. Amaryllis flowers are very popular and favored by lots of gardeners because it blooms indoor in the winter months. Also, Amaryllis can be forced to bloom in about six weeks after planting. Yes, you can plant Amaryllis bulbs in a container indoors and force them to bloom in late winter by inducing a dormant period. Since Amaryllis stalks are quite heavy when it blooms, make sure the container you use is large enough so it will not tip over. Once the plant is established indoors, you can move them outdoors or even plant them in your garden when the danger of frost is past. (photo courtesy: Breck’s)

There are many bulbs that need to be planted now for spring flowering and the ones listed above are just some of the most popular. If you haven’t purchased bulbs yet, get to the local garden center and get them as soon as possible. Better yet, order them online from a reputable company like Breck’s for the best quality.

To get great tips and ideas on fall bulb planting check out an article from our friends over at The Gardeners Rake site.

I have written before about the beauty of Amaryllis and some of the history behind this gorgeous flower, but I came across some new bulbs for the fall season and wanted to give you that information.

As stated before, Amaryllis is a winter bulb that you can plant at home in the fall and have beautiful flowers during the gloomy winter months. It is real easy to plant the bulbs and any container will do. But, if you want to impress your family and friends, do buy a nice container to display the stunning Amaryllis flowers.

Here are some new Amaryllis bulbs this year.

Amaryllis Alfresco – Botanical name is Hippeastrum Alfresco
Wow! This Amaryllis blooms in only 30 days from planting. It is considered one of the most beautiful white Amaryllis in the market. I am sure you will agree when you see the picture below. It has large 6-inch blooms with a soft chartreuse center. The blooms are borne on strong 14-inch stems and last for several days. The plant produces 5-8 large blooms. (photo courtesy of Wayside Gardens)

Amaryllis Amico – Botanical name is Hippeastrum Amico
Here is an Amaryllis that produces up to 12 blooms per bulb. Awesome! This Amaryllis is considered a miniature because the stems are just 12 inches tall but you can expect at least 12 4-inch blooms from each bulb. The blooms displays bold white stripes that begin at the throat of the flower lining the center of each red petal somehow fading as they reach the petal tips. For a gorgeous look, plant multiple bulbs in the same container and 26 days later you will have beautiful flowers in your home. (photo courtesy of Wayside Gardens)

Amaryllis Jade Serpent – Botanical name is Hippeastrum Jade Serpent
This unusual miniature Amaryllis produces up to 8 soft green blooms in just 34 days from planting. This Amaryllis looks very different than most traditional ones in that it is a rarely seen color for Amaryllis. Jade Serpent offers 3-inch blooms on stems that are only 10 inches tall and produces up to 8 blooms per plant. (photo courtesy of Wayside Gardens)

Amaryllis Molto Bello – Botanical name is Hippeastrum Molto Bello
This is a truly elegant Amaryllis as it displays beautiful white blooms which are perfect for any occasion. Molto Bello is considered a miniature Amaryllis as the flowers measure 3 inches across and the stem is only 10 inches tall. The pure white flowers have curving petals and a soft green center. For a stunning look, plant a Molto Bello bulb and pair it with an Amico bulb and you will get red and white contrast. Wow! (photo courtesy of Wayside Gardens)

Enjoy,
Diana

Amaryllis is a beautiful flower that resembles a lily and usually thrives in the South but can be planted indoors in containers in colder regions. They come in many varieties and colors such as white, red, pink, salmon, orange and many others. Amaryllis flowers are very popular and in demand worldwide and favored by lots of gardeners because it blooms indoor in the winter months.

Did you know that Amaryllis can be forced to bloom in about six weeks after planting? Yes, you can plant Amaryllis bulbs in a container indoors and force them to bloom in late winter by inducing a dormant period. Since Amaryllis stalks are quite heavy when it blooms, make sure the container you use is large enough so it will not tip over. Once the plant is established indoors, you can move them outdoors or even plant them in your garden when the danger of frost is past.

The botanical name for Amaryllis is ‘Hippeastrum’ which is Greek and means ‘horseman’s star’. This specie of Amaryllis was chosen in 1837 by the honorable Reverend William Herbert who was Dean of Manchester at the time. Why he chose this name, no one really knows because Hippeastrum is native to tropical and sub-tropical regions of the Americas, Argentina, Mexico and the Caribbean. (photo courtesy of kabloomofsandysprings.com)

When purchasing Amaryllis bulbs, make sure that they are firm to the touch and have a thin brown outer layers similar to an onion. Never buy bulbs that are soft or look sick or have green mold on them. To plant your Amaryllis indoors, do the following:

1. Select your bulb
2. Buy a pot or container slightly larger than the bulb
3. Fill the pot half way with potting soil
4. Place the bulb on top of the soil making sure that the top of it is exposed
5. Add more soil around the sides of the pot
6. Water so that the soil is moist but not too wet
7. Place the pot in a bright area but not in direct sun
8. Turn the pot every few days to get even light
9. Within a few weeks, a thick flower stalk should shoot up

It really is that easy to plant Amaryllis indoors and have beautiful flowers during the winter months. Here are a few of my favorites.

Amaryllis Pizzazz – Botanical name is Hippeastrum Pizzazz

(Photo courtesy of Park Seed Co.)
Here is a beautiful Amaryllis that has huge 6-inch striped blooms with ruffled edges and starry white centers. The flowers are bright cherry red, white striping and the petals are ruffled in pure white. Truly gorgeous! The blooms are held by a sturdy 15 inch stems. Pizzazz blooms in 36 days after planting and produces 4-7 large blooms per plant and thrives in zones 8-11.

Amaryllis Snow White – Botanical name is Hippeastrum Snow White

(Photo courtesy of Park Seed Co.)
Snow white surely fits this beautiful Amaryllis. It has huge pure white frilly blooms on 12 inch stems. The blooms reach 8 inches across and you can expect 4-7 blooms that will add beauty to your home during the winter months. Snow white blooms in 32 days after planting and thrives in zones 8-11.

Amaryllis Razzle Dazzle – Botanical name is Hippeastrum Razzle Dazzle

(Photo courtesy of Park Seed Co.)
This Amaryllis is sometimes called candy cane because of its pin striping. It has 7 inch stripped flowers and the bulb produces up to 9 blooms per plant. Razzle Dazzle blooms 37 days after planting and thrives in zones 8-11.

Amaryllis Little Angel – Botanical name is Hippeastrum Little Angel

(Photo courtesy of Park Seed Co.)
Little Angel produces gorgeous pure white 3 inch blooms with soft green center. This Amaryllis is ready to bloom in just 28 days after planting and thrives in zones 8-11.

To your gardening success,
Diana