Amaryllis

1. Select a large, firm bulb that is free of bruises or blemishes with a healthy root system. Gently untangle and separate the roots before planting. The bigger the bulb, the greater chance you have of getting multiple stalks of bloom. If you don't plan on potting up the bulb right away, store it in a well-ventilated, cool, dark spot at a temperature between 50 and 60 degrees F.

2. Soak roots in a shallow pan of lukewarm water for 3-4 hours before planting the bulb.

3. Select a pot that is twice as tall as the bulb to allow ample room for proper root growth. Suspend the bulb over the pot, then fill the pot with a well-drained potting soil mixture high in sphagnum peat moss or vermiculite. Leave two-thirds of the bulb above the soil. Make sure the bulb does not touch the edge of the pot or another bulb.

4. Tap the soil down around the bulb and water, taking care not to soak the bulb. Place the potted amaryllis in a sunny window with a temperature of 70-75 degrees F. Water sparingly until the bulb begins to sprout, then water the plant enough to maintain soil moisture.