Buying Amaryllis Bulbs In Kits

The most convenient and affordable way to buy Amaryllis bulbs is in kits that are available at large retailers and garden centers. Since the bulbs are produced in large quantities these bulbs are often less expensive than the bulbs you can order form a bulb catalog or through a speciality grower. There are some drawbacks when buying Amaryllis kits at stores that don't specialize in Amaryllis bulbs. Sometimes the flower on the product packaging is not an accurate representation of the bulb inside. It is a risk that every Amaryllis grower takes when he or she buys an Amaryllis bulb that comes in a kit. If you have your heart set on adding a specific Amaryllis bulb to your bulb collection you may want to order from a grower or retailer that specializes in Amaryllis bulbs and gives you a guarantee.

One of the funniest sights at these large retailers is watching Amaryllis collectors and savvy gardeners going through the boxes of bulbs. People who are serious about collecting Amaryllis bulbs will often open several Amaryllis kits and inspect the bulb inside the box. When you open a box to look at the bulb inside what you are looking for a is a larger sized bulb that is firm when you squeeze it and that has no visible signs of rot or disease. If you notice any unusual colors or signs of fungal growth on the bulb close the kit and look at another one, you want a bulb that is nice and green and has a crisp skin. Use the same rules when selecting an Amaryllis bulb that you would use at the grocery store when you are buying onions, potatoes, garlic or apples.

Be considerate of the Amaryllis retailer.

As an Amaryllis bulb collector your first instinct is to buy the biggest and healthiest bulb you can find but you should be considerate of the retailer and employees of the stores. Do not open all the kits and when you open a kit and decide not to buy it please close the kit and put it back in the proper place. Not only are we making things easier for the retailer and employees but you're making things easier for the next Amaryllis collector that comes after you.