Lots of 'myths' about this. Yes, they are blooming EVERYWHERE around the Bay Area. They occur in the hottest driest areas that receive no rainfall or water for the entire summer. It was once thought they should NOT be watered but I grow them in profusion in my home garden with regular water and they grow faster, multiply more and bloom earlier than in my areas that I never touch. They will also bloom in a fair amount of shade. We often dig up the enormous excess tubers and sell them for a few dollars each. It was said that it takes years for these to reestablish and bloom again, but it's not true in many cases. Paul Licht, Director University of California Botanical Garden 200 Centennial Drive Berkeley, CA 94720 (510)-643-8999 http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu/ On 8/27/2010 3:01 PM, totototo@telus.net wrote: > On 27 Aug 2010, at 17:09, jmsjon664@aol.com wrote: > >> I've just had an amusing experience with the Amaryllis. I've been >> growing it for several years in the greenhouse and felt I had to share >> such a magnificent, showy flower with my daughter in Santa Rosa, CA, so >> sent her home with one in July. Last week it was my turn to visit her >> and, perhaps you've guessed already, there was Amaryllis in bloom >> everywhere. EVERYWHERE. At least she won't be left out. > Many years ago, driving west from Santa Rosa to Western Hills Nursery in late > September, I was struck by the enormous numbers of Amaryllis belladonna to be > seen everywhere. One can only conclude that growing conditions are perfect. > >