After the cultivation, growth and flowering, it is essential to look into harvesting and post -harvest handling of Amaryllis and Hippeastrum. The various aspects of this are explained here.

Amaryllis is extensively used in the florist trade as cut-flowers. To meet the demand during Christmas, amaryllis is grown under glass. The scapes are cut when the buds are fully elongated. Harvesting should be done early in the morning and the stalk placed in water. Cut-flowers may be stored in refrigerated show cases or store-rooms to minimize the spoilage.

Flower scapes should be paced in proper cartons with adequate protection so that cut-flowers reach the customer in good condition. Scapes packed in moist cloth remain fresh for a longer period.

A. Vase-life

Hippeastrum is a glamorous flower, a flower of perfectioned excellence for floral decoration. The average life or a flower stalk is about 15 to 20 days in situ, while that of an individual flower varies from 5-6 days. Vase life of a flower varies from 10 -15 days depending on the number of flowers per stalks, environment and change of water. The flower remains fresh for a longer period if it is kept in 3% sugar solution or 25 ppm maleic hydrazide.

B. Lifting, curing and storage of Amaryllis bulbs and Hippeastrum bulbs

In both Amaryllis and Hippeastrum, after the bulbs mature and the leaves become yellow and dry, the bulbs are dug out and tops cut away.



Bulbs are best stored in cold storage. They may also be stored in trays or boxes where temperature and moisture conditions can be controlled at least partially. The bulbs of Hippeastrum cv. Scarlet glow should be kept in cold storage at 13o or 17o C for 10 -12 weeks.




About author : Dr. K. T. Chandy