For us Nerine bulbs, January is a time of profound rest. The showy blooms of autumn are a distant memory, and our foliage has likely yellowed and died back completely. We are dormant, tucked safely beneath the soil, shielded from the coldest winter temperatures. This period of cold is not our enemy; it is a vital part of our cycle, a necessary reset that prepares us for the growth to come. Above ground, you may see nothing, but below, we are conserving every bit of energy. The most important thing for our caretaker to know is to leave us be. If we are in a container and the ground is frozen solid, a protective layer of mulch is a welcome blanket. But otherwise, we require stillness and cold to thrive.
As the sun's angle changes and the soil begins to lose its deep chill, we sense the shift. By late February or March, depending on your specific region (warmer zones like 7-9 will see us earlier), the very tips of our new leaves may begin to push through the soil. This is a tentative, slow awakening. Our primary need now is for light. If a late, hard frost threatens after our leaves have emerged, a light covering can be helpful, but we are surprisingly resilient. Water should be offered sparingly at first; our roots are just becoming active again and do not want to sit in soggy soil. The goal is moist, not wet.
This is our time to build strength! With longer days and warmer temperatures, our strap-like leaves will grow vigorously, photosynthesizing sunlight into the energy that will be stored in our bulbs for the upcoming flowering season. This is when we are hungriest and thirstiest. Regular watering is crucial, especially if the spring is dry. A balanced, liquid fertilizer applied every few weeks will be gratefully received, fueling our leafy growth. We are building the foundation for our spectacular autumn display, so please, ensure we get plenty of sun and consistent moisture during these crucial months.
Just as the summer heat reaches its peak, our growth habit becomes a bit confusing to gardeners. Our leaves may begin to yellow and wither. This is not a sign of distress, but a natural part of our rhythm. We are entering a second, shorter dormancy or a period of significant rest. This dry, warm rest is the critical trigger that initiates the development of our flower buds inside the bulb. Watering should be reduced dramatically during this time. Ideally, we should be kept quite dry. If we are in a pot, simply move us to a spot where we will be sheltered from heavy summer rains. This baking period is essential for a good bloom.
As the air cools slightly in early autumn, our naked flower spikes will magically shoot up from the seemingly dormant soil. Soon after, the iconic clusters of spidery, brilliantly colored flowers will open. We put all the energy stored from our spring growth into this display. During flowering, you can resume light watering to keep our stems strong and our blooms lasting longer, but we still prefer our roots to be on the drier side. Enjoy this spectacle; it is our way of saying thank you for understanding our unique needs.
After the flowers fade, we focus our remaining energy back into the bulb. In milder climates, our new leaves for next year's cycle may even start to appear alongside the dying flower stalks. In colder zones, the foliage will be minimal. As winter approaches, it is time to prepare for our deep sleep once more. After the first hard frost, any remaining foliage can be cleaned up. If you live in a zone colder than USDA 6, a thick layer of mulch applied after the ground chills will protect us from freezing cycles. Then, the cycle begins anew with the deep peace of January.
