Transform Your Home with Amaryllis Bulbs
The amaryllis blooms, the stalks, the bulbs—everything about this traditional favourite of the holiday season is colossal. Everything, that is, except for the degree of difficulty in getting it to flower, because amaryllis produces blooms with less effort than any other bulb. This, in tandem with the tropical look of the gorgeous, trumpet-shaped blooms and its reliability for returning year after year, has made the amaryllis flower very popular throughout the world. This fast-growing and sometimes fragrant native of South American rainforests is available in a range of solid colors, multiple hues and striped varieties.
How to Plant Amaryllis Bulbs
The first step in planting an amaryllis bulb is to be sure you have your supplies. You will need a container 6-8" wide and potting soil for potted amaryllis. Next fill up your decorative pot almost full, leaving about ¼ of the soil out of the pot. Add in your amaryllis bulb pointed up and add remaining soil around the bulb. Leave the top of your amaryllis uncovered at the soil level. You can moisten the soil but do not over water. Place your container next to a window or near indirect sunlight. Remember that some varieties grow faster than others so it may take several weeks for your bulb to sprout. Once your bulb sprouts, it will grow quickly! It is best to stake your amaryllis, as sometimes the stalks can be very heavy and will fall. Try our character amaryllis stakes to add charm to your amaryllis plant for the holiday season!
When Do You Plant Amaryllis Bulbs?
When planted indoors in containers, an amaryllis typically flowers 6-8 weeks after planting, and its blooms can last up to three weeks. So, if you want its festive flowers to be part of your end-of-year holiday décor, we recommend planting your amaryllis bulbs in late October.
How Do You Plant Amaryllis Bulbs?
Plant your amaryllis bulb in potting mix with the top third of the bulb sticking up out of the soil. Place the pot near a bright window, where it can receive a lot of direct and indirect sunlight. A south-facing window is preferred. When the amaryllis bulb sprouts, begin watering regularly around the bulb. Avoid overwatering and allowing the bulb to sit in wet soil, which can kill it. After sprouting, turn the pot regularly, because stalks will grow toward the sunlight.
How Should You Store Amaryllis Bulbs?
Storing Amaryllis bulbs is essential for preserving their health and ensuring they bloom beautifully in the future. After their flowering period, carefully remove the bulbs from the soil, clean off any excess dirt, and let them air dry for a day or two. Then, store the bulbs in a cool, dry place (around 50-55°F or 10-13°C) in a breathable container like a paper bag or mesh bag to prevent moisture buildup. Be sure to label each bulb variety if you have multiple types. By following these steps, you'll be ready to replant your Amaryllis bulbs and enjoy their vibrant blooms again in the next growing season.
For more information, read our blog on how to get amaryllis bulbs to bloom again.