Fresh flowers make fabulous holiday gifts, but if poinsettias seem passe, consider a big bodacious amaryllis.
If you'd like to present a blooming amaryllis to a host or hostess, pick one up at a garden center or florist. You'll pay more for it than a bulb from a big box store, but you'll get a plant that is not only in bloom, but also is of better quality.
With bulbs, prices are set according to size and age. Bulbs increase in size as they get older. A small year-old bulb will produce a single flower stalk while 3-year-old fist-size amaryllis bulbs produce multiple stems sporting more and bigger flowers.
The flowers last 10 days or longer when blooming indoors. They may last even longer when used as cut flowers — a good solution should the blossoms become so top heavy they flop. To extend the vase life, trim the stem ends of the flower stalks every couple of days and give them fresh water.
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