HOW TO: Grow Amaryllis

How To Grow Amaryllis

Growing Outdoors

Can be planted directly into the ground in areas where temps don't go below 10 degrees Fahrenheit or in zone 7 for cold-tolerant species that we sell for spring planting. Full sun and well-drained soil. Water area thoroughly after planting. Once the growth starts, water only if rain is infrequent. After leaves appear, fertilize with a balanced fertilizer and repeat once a month through April. When the plants are done blooming, remove flower stalks. Be sure to leave foliage on the plant so the leaves can produce food that will be stored in the bulbs. Only cut them off the base if they turn yellow.  June through September: water only during a prolonged dry period.  Fall: give it a layer of winter mulch for cold-tolerant species grown in zone 7

Growing Indoors

Bareroot Bulbs Amaryllis shipped in bags require potting. Begin by selecting a pot for your bulbs. Choose a larger container for the more bulbs that you are planting.  Place a well-drained potting mix in a plastic tub and slowly add warm water, stir with your hand, and let the mix get moist.  Fill pot half way with the mix and set the bulb on top. Fill in around the bulb with additional mix and adjust as needed so the top of the bulb is exposed.  Firm the mix and water lightly to settle it around the bulbs.

Pre-potted Bulbs Amaryllis already potted need only thorough watering to begin growing. Water with lukewarm water.

Pre-Bloom Care

Keep your potted plants where the temp remains above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The warmer the temp = the faster it will grow. Water only when the top inch of the potting mix is dry to the touch. If you water too frequently, this can cause the bulb to rot.  Growth begins in 2-8 weeks. Some take more time, depending on the variety.  As soon as the bulb sprouts, provide ample sunshine, a south-facing window or a sunroom (all are ideal). Sometimes, flower stalks require support to keep from toppling. Use stakes, sticks, or something more decorating like red twig dogwood or a winterberry branch for the holidays!

What To Do If You Want Flowers Next Year

After flowering, your bulb is exhausted. You must allow it to rebuild itself if you want flowers next year! When the last bloom fades, cut off the flower stalk above the bulb but leave the leaves because they produce food that is crucial for the bulb. Put the plant in a sunny window and water when the top inch of potting mix is dry to the touch.  When potential frost season has passed, set the pot outside in full sun or stick the bulb in the ground in a sunny location.  During the fall season, bring the bulb indoors before any potential threat of frost, cut the foliage just above the bulb, and store it in a cool, dark place (like a basement or a closet) for 8-10 weeks.  Then pot the bulb and water it, doing the same thing that you did last year to get your bulb to bloom!

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