Germinating Amaryllis With the California Method

Propagating Amaryllis

• Generally, growers and gardeners propagate Amaryllis by separating the offsets -- new bulbs -- from the parent bulb, or by cutting a bulb into multiple pieces that include part of the base, a technique called cuttage. Because pollination can introduce variations, growing amaryllis from seed can result in plants with different characteristics, such as flower color. The lush flowers come in pure white, pink, yellow, orange and shades of red. Two-color combinations are also common.

Collecting Amaryllis Seeds

• A month after being pollinated, amaryllis develop seed pods. The seeds are ready to collect when the seed pods dry out and split. It's best to let the seeds dry on the stalk, instead of removing it from the plant, according to University of North Dakota Extension. Viable seeds have a bump, the embryo of the plant. This grows into the large bulb characteristic of amaryllis. Seeds that lack the bump won't germinate.

California Method for Germinating

• Although it's possible to germinate amaryllis in a potting mix, the California method uses plain warm water. The basic technique involves using a large mixing bowl or other wide, waterproof container and adding enough warm water to float the seeds. Soaking seeds helps with germination, and allows you to watch the seeds grow a root. The root grows within a few days. Keeping the container of water in filtered or dappled sunlight offers the seeds the best chance of sprouting. This technique is also called the flotation method.

Amaryllis Tips

• Use at least 4 inches of water in the container. It's essential to keep the seeds wet. Avoid placing the container of seeds in a hot place, such as near a sunny window or heat source. Putting the bowl near a window that gets bright daylight through a sheer curtain will give the seeds the right amount of sunlight. After the seeds grow at least 1/2 inch of root, plant them in a growing medium rich in organic material, such as manure or compost. The seedlings need partial shade.