Start a new amaryllis bulb pot every few weeks and you can have blooms in the house from December through April.

Normally, the large amaryllis bulb is planted one to a pot but you can make a knock-out display by planting three bulbs together - positioned in a circle but not touching - in a pot that's wider than it is tall.

Each amaryllis has a mind of its own, so forced blooms can take from six to 10 weeks.

The bulb, which is about the size of a small grapefruit, should be planted in a pot that is at least 6 inches deep so the pot will be heavy enough to support the plant when it grows to its mature height of 1 to 3 feet.

Untangle and spread out its mass of roots before you plant it. Using warm water on the amaryllis bulb gives it a head start because it's a tropical plant.

Select big, firm bulbs. The advantage to big bulbs is that they will often grow a second flower shoot.

No fertilization is needed because the bulb contains all the nourishment the flowers need the first year.

Water sparingly at first. After the first sprouts appear - about two weeks - water often. In four to six more weeks, there will be huge, exotic flowers in red, pink, white, peach, orange or even multi-colors. Amaryllis grow tall and top heavy. Planting the bulb in a plastic pot that goes in a heavier decorative pot will help prevent tipping. You can also place several small plastic pots of bulbs in a basket and fill in with moss, pine cones or other decorations. Add a bow and you have a holiday centerpiece.

AMARYLLIS AT A GLANCE

COMMON NAME: Amaryllis

SPECIES: Hippeastrum (Hipp-e-as'trum); word comes from Greek meaning ``horse'' and ``star.'' Genus of about 80 species of bulbous perennials found in Central and South America.

FORM: Strap-shaped leaves, large flowers funnel-shaped.

SIZE: 1-3 feet tall. Smaller hybrids also available.

HOW TO GROW: After flowering, remove flower stems and apply liquid fertilizer every two weeks for 3-5 months while foliage grows. Mid-summer, reduce watering. Late summer to mid-autumn, keep slightly moist or let go dry, allowing bulb to go dormant for eight weeks. Repot to larger container only when roots become very pot bound because amaryllis resent root disturbance. Before first frost, place indoors in sunny window. As leaves fall off, reduce watering, but do not let soil get dry. When new flower spikes appear, increase watering and start fertilizing. In autumn, remove small bulbs at base of mother bulb to encourage large, single bulbs; plant those small bulbs. Delay or prolong flowering by keeping at minimum temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit and away from full light.