COMMERCIAL GROWING INSTRUCTIONS
Hadeco® amaryllis are easy to produce in a short period of time. To ensure the most efficient and consistent growth in your greenhouse, follow the tips beneath. To achieve consistent growth in your crop, the roots of all bulbs should remain in good condition during storage.
1. Pre-Forcing Storage Hadeco®
Hippeastrum may be stored until the end of January under ideal conditions:
Temperature: 9°C (48°F) is ideal
- Never lower than 5°C (41 °F)
- Temperatures higher than 12°C (54°F) will progressively initiate bud development
Humidity: 70% to 75% is ideal
- Too low and the roots will dry out (occurs below 65% RH); too high (above 80%) and mould will form on the roots
- Humidity can be increased simply by pouring water on the floor in the room used for storage
- Check roots twice weekly to ensure they are not becoming brittle (indicates the humidity is too low)
- Ventilation: some fresh air as well as internal circulation is required
- A vent should be open in the storage room, and several strong fans should be used to keep the internal air moving vigorously
- Storage crates should have sufficient ventilation holes
If mould forms: React as soon as the first mould forms (usually on fine roots). This symptom indicates that there is insufficient air movement and/ or the air is too humid.
- Remove the bulbs to a ventilated space and brush the mould off
- You may dust with a fungicide
- Return the bulbs to the room and increase both air movement and external air exchange
2. Medium
The best medium is one that is relatively dense but well- draining:
- Ideally the soil mixture should consist of 2/3 potting soil and 1/3 sand
- Peat should be used sparingly, and should never form the main component of the mixture. Up to 30% is acceptable when used to lighten the mixture
- A pH of 6.00 to 6.80 is best
- Sterilised medium is suggested
- Never use fresh manure, fresh compost or tree bark (tree bark may be used in the decoration above the medium
Avoid peat such as the image shown.
Use a combination of sand and soil.
Even Growth in the Greenhouse
3. Planting
- Use clean pots size 12cm to 15cm for Symphony size 26/up. Sonata and Sonatini look best planted in 10 cm pots
- Pots must have drainage holes
- Do not remove or damage existing roots
- Hold the bulb so that the roots hang down into the pot. Firm in the medium around the bulb so that no air pockets remain amongst the roots
- The bulb nose should be above the rim of the pot and the shoulder of the bulb just above the surface of the medium
4. Location for Growing
- Hadeco® Hippeastrum bulbs may be forced in any well-ventilated and well heated area
- Maintain a constant temperature day and night. First 14 days at 20°C (68°F), thereafter 24°C to 26°C (75°F to 79°F) for optimal results
- Bottom heating is preferred
- During the forcing period the temperatures should never fall below 20°C (68°F) or rise above 30°C (86°F). Low temperatures will slow growth, and high temperatures could cause stress in the plant
- Ensure that the area is well ventilated and that the relative humidity of the air remains as low as possible
A greenhouse in which the above requirements can be maintained is ideal but Hadeco® Hippeastrum may be forced in full light as well as in darkness until the stem is 10cm in length provided the above guidelines as to temperature, ventilation and humidity are followed. If the bulbs have been forced in the dark until marketing stage, the plants will need 4 to 7 days in medium light intensity to form chlorophyll. Rotate pots through 180° (a half turn) every few days if the light source is oblique from one side.
The following conditions will encourage shorter stems:
- High light conditions
- Higher temperatures
- Reduced watering
5. Timing
- During forcing, if growth is too rapid, you may slow the progress of the stems by reducing temperature. This can be done at any time prior to the buds opening and is best done earlier in the development (when stems are 20cm (8″) high). At 9°C (48°F) growth will virtually come to a halt and the plants may be kept at this temperature for up to 10 days. A longer period at low temperature will start to impact on the ability of the bud to open. Watering is not required during this “holding” period. Light can be withheld in this time if desired
- To make the plants resume growth, move the pots to a warmer area
- To accelerate growth, increase the temperature in the greenhouse always ensuring an even, constant temperature day and night. Do not exceed 30°C (86°F)
6. Watering
- After planting, water thoroughly and firm down the medium well
- The second watering application should be delayed by about 7 days to encourage new root formation. A slightly cooler temperature of 20°C (68°F) during this period will additionally promote new root development
- Subsequently, the medium should be kept only slightly moist. By tipping the pot upside down, and sliding the medium out from the pot as a unit you can check the moisture level at the bottom of the pot. Once the medium has dried out to 3 cm from the base, it is time to water again (usually 4 to 5 days)
- It is important not to over water as this can cause deterioration of the roots
- Use tepid water approximately the same temperature as the greenhouse air temperature
- Do not water over the bulb noses
7. Further care:
You may refer consumers to www.hadecoamaryllis.com for tips on caring for Hippeastrum in the home.
For further enquiries, please email: Export@hadeco.co.za
