Plants of both the genera, Amaryllis and Hippeastrum can be propagated from seeds and by vegetative methods. Seed propagation is used by breeders for development of hybrids while to maintain the purity of a cultivar or sterile hybrid clones, separation of offset is usually practised.

A. Seed propagation

Amaryllis is cross pollinated by nature and after pollination and fertilization they gradually develop into mature seeds in the ripe capsule.

When mature, the capsule bursts and exposes the seeds. The seeds are air dried for 24+ hours to 48 hours at room temperature if they are to be stored. However, the best-germination is obtained when the seeds are sown in bed immediately after harvesting.

The seeds in unsealed envelopes or open containers retain viability for a short period in humid climate and for longer period in dry atmosphere. Seeds in sealed containers may be stored at a temperature of 400 to 450 F. The seeds may be sown in pots, wooden boxes, raised beds in half shade and in glasshouses.

Seeds usually germinate within 7 or 10 days after sowing and seedlings are ready for transplanting In pot beds In 2 to 3 leaf stage. Sometimes parthenogenetic seeds develop due to spontaneous growth of the female germ cell.


B. Vegetative propagation

Multiplication of plant from seed will show wide variation in flower colour whereas separation of bulb-lets is a very .slow process for obtaining a large number of plants in a short time. Normally, a plant produces 2 to.3 bulb-lets in a year of growth.



Next : Micro propagation and stem sections of amaryllis and Hippeastrum