Q: We have a particularly spectacular amaryllis from which I took a couple of seed pods this year and recently planted the seeds. I now have a small forest of seedlings that are about one to two inches tall. What next?

R.H., via e-mail

A: The seeds may not come ``true,'' meaning that the flower characteristics will probably be different from the mother plant. Reproducing a plant by seeds is called sexual reproduction. If you want the same flower characteristics, you need to reproduce the plant asexually (cloning) such as separating the bulblets (``pups'') from the main bulb.

Transplant your seedlings into a sunny location. They don't need to go into pots unless that's how you want to grow them. If the leaves are starting to turn a lighter green, then you can fertilize. Use a low nitrogen bulb fertilizer such as 4-8-8 or 3-9-9 and follow directions on the bag. High nitrogen fertilizers will encourage growth but suppress flowering.

For additional information on growing amaryllis, visit http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/EP060

Or call your local county extension office (Broward 954-370-3725, Miami-Dade 305-248-3311, Monroe 305- 292-4501, Palm Beach 561- 233-1712). You can also get help with other gardening questions.

Adrian Hunsberger is an entomologist/horticulturist with the UF/IFAS Miami-Dade Extension office. Write to Plant Clinic, 18710 SW 288th St., Homestead, FL 33030; e-mail aghu@ifas.ufl.edu.

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