It's all about timing

Who says amaryllis are just for Christmas?

This one came out of the winter closet a couple of weeks ago. Its needs for dormancy met (at least eight to 10 weeks), it began sprouting new leaves and now has two fat flower buds. (Photo shows one bud, but there is another one.) 

I'd say the five-buck investment was worth it -- this is the second round of blooms.

The National Arboretum has information on growing your own.