Soaking amaryllis roots in room temperature water for 12-24 hours prior to planting results in more rapid and uniform growth!
In 2013, Cornell and Kansas State University (with Dr. Chad Miller) trialed a number of treatments to improve uniformity and quality of forced amaryllis. The study concluded that soaking amaryllis bulbs at room temperature (68-70F or 18-20C) for 12-24 hours before planting was an excellent treatment.
Compared to non-soaked control bulbs, the ones soaked for 12-24 hours before planting has more rapid and uniform early leaf growth, and greater overall early vigor. The experiments indicated that short soak times (1 hour) were of no benefit.
It also seemed like soaking improved rooting, which will help prevent pots from toppling over. Research in this area is ongoing.
Cornell Flower Trials – https://blogs.cornell.edu/bulbnewsletter/2018/06/01/dry-sale-amaryllis/
Read the full study here- http://hort.cornell.edu/bulb/newsletter/pdfs/29-201306.pdf
Shop our amazing selection of amaryllis bulbs here – https://www.longfield-gardens.com/Amaryllis