June 2013 issue of the Cornell Flower Bulb Research Program Research Newsletter:
In the 2013 forcing year, we tried a number of treatments to improve uniformity and quality of forced amaryllis, including growth regulator treatments to reduce stem (scape) growth and long term pre-plant soaking pretreatments (the premise being this might “soften the base plate and allow easier rooting”). Experiments were done at Cornell and at Kansas State University (with Dr. Chad Miller). It is clear 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.
Read the whole article. Starts on page 2.