how to grow amaryllis

Jeff shows us the necessary steps to keep your Amaryllis growing season after season! Q. When: Amaryllis can be planted from September through April in warm weather climates, although most people prefer to have theirs in the ground by late October. Stop feeding in August. There is also a true amaryllis genus containing just two species native to South Africa. If the bulb is planted … Keeping the plant healthy and growing throughout the summer will promote blooming later in the season. These plants have strappy leaves and huge flowers shaped like trumpet lilies. Give them a few seasons of growth before expecting flowers. More tips and advice from Laura at Garden Answer. Water: Water the amaryllis whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. It is grown as a potted plant in most parts of the United States but can also be grown outdoors year round in Florida. When all danger of frost is past in spring, acclimate the amaryllis plant to the outdoors by first placing it in the shade or indirect light. Once the bulbs have sprouted, move them to a warm, bright spot to continue growing. And it’s a great holiday gift for those who want gratification without the effort, and a cool way to share your love of all things green with the people you love! While growing amaryllis indoors, you should fertilize the plant every two to three weeks. — than they do when left growing on the plant. Keep watering the plant until it goes dormant in the fall. Rotating the pot every few days will help keep the stems straight. This will help the plant produce energy for the following year's bloom. The trumpet-shaped blooms grow up to six inches across, and several flowers often appear in succession. During the growth period, feed your amaryllis with a half-strength water-soluble fertilizer every two to three weeks. During the growing/ flowering period, water your amaryllis whenever the top 2 inches of soil become dry. When growing potted bulbs, use a good-quality, well-draining potting mix. The kit includes one waxed bulb and a brass steel wire hanger. These are not, however, the plants cultivated in the U.S.as amaryllis. The first thing to emerge from the bulb is usually a bud. If you want your amaryllis to bloom at a specific time, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, count backward about 10 to 12 weeks, to determine when to stop watering. These bulbs prefer well-draining soil. Immediately turn flower upside down and pour fresh water into stem. The plants typically go dormant over winter. Once the plant is in active growth, water regularly and turn the pot periodically to encourage the stalk to grow straight. Just plant the bulb in good potting soil, water regularly and provide bright, indirect light. Place the pot in a location that receives bright, indirect light. The bulb should stay dry and the soil should be barely moist -- never soggy. Amaryllis make fantastic holiday centerpieces and wonderful long-term houseplants. Heavy pots are preferable because lightweight pots may tip over under the weight of the blooms. Growing Amaryllis. The flowers can get top-heavy, and inserting the stake now will help you avoid damaging the bulb and roots later. As your bulb grows larger and has more roots, it may dry out more frequently. Outdoor plants may be feasted upon by slugs and snails. At first, only water when the top inch of the soil feels dry. A support stake is handy for keeping the blooms upright, but little else is required. With this, the plant needs foundation so that it can stand. This depends on the variety of amaryllis, and the quality and size of the bulb. Use trellis or twigs so that the plant will not topple. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. When you buy commercial bulbs from a grower for Christmas bloom, these are dormant bulbs that should be kept cool until the right planting time. Do I need to fertilize my amaryllis? Outdoors, bright shade is the best environment. The waxed Amaryllis bulbs produce gorgeous red blooms that will take center stage in your holiday home. Allowing potted plants to re-bloom naturally: To allow your potted amaryllis to re-bloom naturally, cut off the flower stalk after blooming ceases, but let the foliage continue to grow as long as it can. Outdoors, grow amaryllis bulbs in a well-drained, fertile soil. Amaryllis are becoming popular cut flowers, and, surprisingly, they often last longer in a vase — up to two weeks! Growing amaryllis in groups has the most landscape impact...when 10 or more go into bloom, the sight is spectacular. The tropical bulb does not have to be composted when the blooms fade, in fact it can be planted in the garden with your other summer flowers once the weather turns warm. In order to grow amaryllis to bloom for Christmas, follow the growing schedule outlined below. The lack of foliage and water will induce the amaryllis to send out another flower stalk. Amaryllis are rewarding, easy-care houseplants that really brighten a winter windowsill. Garden amaryllis generally bloom in March, April, and May. Grow your amaryllis indoors during winter and spring. Then, about six to eight weeks before you want the amaryllis to flower again, repot the bulb in fresh potting soil and place it in bright, indirect light. Few bulbs are easier to grow than amaryllis — and few bloom with greater exuberance and beauty. Fertilize the plant once or twice a month to keep the leaves lush and green. After a few weeks, you will see a stalk emerging from the bulb. Store the dormant bulb in a cool, dark and dry place for a minimum of eight weeks; longer is fine. How: The area in which you plant amaryllis bulbs must drain very well. The leaves will start to yellow and drop around December. A. Amaryllis bulbs can be planted directly in the ground in areas where temperatures do not go below 10°F (Zones 8-10), or in zone 7 for cold-tolerant species that we sell for spring planting. In general, for singular bulbs, you need a 6 to a 7-inch pot, and for 3 bulbs, you’ll want a 10 to 12-inch pot. A. Southern U.S. zones 9-11 can grow them outside year-round. Sit back and watch it bloom! Once all flowers on a flower stalk has faded, cut the stem back to within a few inches of the bulb. Plant Bulbs In Succession. The foliage will already be dying back. Leaves and additional stems will follow. Add 1 pack of cut-flower food. Feed and Don’t Overwater. For best results, grow your amaryllis in a relatively cool room (60-65°F) with bright, indirect light. The stored bulb contains all the "food" your amaryllis needs to sprout and bloom. If your area is entirely frost-free, plant the bulbs with their necks at, or slightly above, ground level. When it comes to amaryllis bulbs, bigger is better. Water sparingly until you see about 2" of new growth. Cut the old flowers from the stem after flowering, and when the stem starts to sag, cut it back to the top of the bulb. Buds will appear and blooms will begin to open within five to eight weeks. Do I leave the faded flowers on the plant or "deadhead" like I do my outdoor plants? Consider the amaryllis when your home needs a bright spot during the dead of winter. Instead of relegating a tall amaryllis to a windowsill or sideboard, you can create a dramatic dining table centerpiece by using a relatively low vase and combining your amaryllis blooms with other flowers and foliage. How to Plant Amaryllis in a Pot for Gorgeous Blooms This Winter Whether you receive a bulb as a holiday gift or decide to treat yourself, you'll soon have supersize flowers to brighten up your home. Substitute pebbles or stones for soil, making sure to add enough around the sides to give the bulb sufficient upright support. Amaryllis prefer temperatures in the range of 60° to 70°F (15.5° to 21°C). The bulbs should be planted 10 to 12 weeks before you want them to bloom. When flowering is complete, remove the flower stalks, but leave the foliage to continue growing. In zones 8 to 10, amaryllis bulbs can be planted in the garden. Amaryllis is a subtropical bulb that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and is native to South Africa. Keep the amaryllis in a warm, bright spot with lots of direct sunlight. You can improve drainage by creating raised beds or simply mix in some organic matter, like peat or compost. [1] X Research source You can grow them indoors everywhere during the winter and move them outside for a summer vacation. If your amaryllis doesn't bloom, it is often because it received no rest period after the last bloom, or because it is not receiving adequate light. There are dozens of different amaryllis varieties, and the choice really depends on what flower color most appeals to you. As the plant grows, turn the pot periodically to encourage the flower stalks to grow straight. Your browser's Javascript functionality is turned off. If you already have potted amaryllis plants, future blooms can be controlled by setting the plant outdoors to grow through the summer, then bringing it indoors and forcing them into a short period of dormancy by withholding water and fertilizer for several weeks, then restarting the bulbs. Slow Or Speed Up Growth. Most varieties will begin blooming six to eight weeks after planting; some can take as long as ten weeks. Once you have the ideal place in mind for planting, determine the soil's pH, which will help you in determining if your soil is sand, silt, clay, or loam. Growing Amaryllis Indoors. From June to September, water the plants only during dry periods. In mid-August, begin withholding water and let the foliage die back naturally as the pot dries out completely. Once a stem begins to grow you should start watering more frequently. The flowers only last a few weeks...but these spring flowering plants have thick leaves that grow in clumps of glossy green, and make an attractive foliage plant for borders or accents the rest of … Avoid letting the bulb sit in wet soil, and avoid pouring water down into the crown of the bulb. Flower buds will appear at the top of each stalk, followed by a dramatic floral display. Amaryllis requires a dry rest period immediately after flowering in order to reset the bulbs for future blooms. Keep them away from freezing windows and drying radiators. Before you plant your bulb, soak it in lukewarm water for two to four hours. Important: do not use soil from the garden because it will not drain properly. Some amaryllis bulbs sprout leaves first, and then the flower stalk emerges a little later. Can amaryllis grow outside? Amaryllis bulbs will produce side bulbs, like daffodils. How to Grow Amaryllis Initially, you should place your bulb in a cool spot with indirect light. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, Rich, well-drained soil (outdoors); rich potting mix (indoors). Resume feeding at this time and move the plant to a warm, sunny spot. If grown in a frost-free garden (Zones 8 to 10), amaryllis will naturally bloom in March, April, and May, with fall rebloom possible. After flowering, withhold feeding to induce the dormancy needed to reset the bulbs. Amaryllis can be encouraged to blossom again the following year. You can expect your amaryllis to bloom for seven weeks or longer. When the flowers fade, start the process over. When the flowers fade, start the process over. This chart gives you an idea of when you're amaryllis will bloom relative to the planting date. In fall, apply a layer of winter mulch if your area will see winter frost. The giant amaryllis flowers commonly grown as winter-blooming houseplants are generally carefully bred hybrids derived from various species in the Hippeastrum genus, a group of tropical plants from Central and South America. Using a sharp knife, cut stem at a 45-degree angle. SHOP AMARYLLIS GIFTS Stay up to date on new articles and advice. You should see the flower stalk peeking up between the leaves soon. The bulb is depleted of minerals after flowering, but the stalks remain. Some recommended choices include: Keep on the lookout for spider mites and mealybugs. Allowing the plant to bloom naturally in this way will result in larger plants and flowers. Stop feeding the plant in August. While you might see other waxed amaryllis bulbs around this holiday season, the upside-down kits are exclusive to Gardener’s Supply Company and make fun gifts. By following these basic care guidelines, you will be able to encourage your amaryllis to flower year after year. Leaves will appear shortly followed by blooms. Amaryllis like their soil rich, but exceptionally well-drained, so create a mix from one part well-rotted manure, one part horticultural grit or sand, and two parts leaf mould. How to Grow Amaryllis. Grow amaryllis indoors at any time of year. After leaves appear, feed with a balanced fertilizer once each month until April. It takes a little planning and extra care, but is quite simple and very rewarding. After the amaryllis has stopped flowering, it can be made to flower again. Carefully remove these bulbils and pot them up to produce more plants. Forcing amaryllis into seasonal bloom requires careful manipulation of the watering schedule (see above). Choose a site with full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily) and well-drained soil. My amaryllis is sprouting leaves, but no flower stem yet. Keep them in a bright, warm, sunny place, ideally at about 20°C, free from draughts of an open window. As individual flowers start to fade, you can carefully snip them off. Water thoroughly after planting, but then water only when the top 2 inches of soil is dry. If your amaryllis is not already potted, plant each amaryllis bulb in a 6-8" pot. How to Care for Amaryllis Bulbs Display the amaryllis away from drafts in a bright room, but not in direct sunlight. Cover the bulb in soil up to its neck and pack the soil down gently. Plant the bulb, pointed-end-up, in potting mix. Sometimes the long flower stems benefit from a little extra support. Continue to water and feed the plant regularly with a liquid houseplant fertilizer. Plant Amaryllis bulbs every week or two, for one to two months. Marie Iannotti is an author, photographer, and speaker with 27 years of experience as a Cornell Cooperative Extension Horticulture Educator and Master Gardener, How to Grow and Care for the Yesterday-Today-and-Tomorrow Plants. A. Yes! Pack the soil gently around the bulb so approximately one-third of the bulb remains above the soil line. When the flowers fade, cut the flower stalk back to just above the bulb. Q. Keep them at a steady 20 – 25°C to trigger them to begin growing - your airing cupboard is ideal. Keep the watered so the soil is moist, but not wet. Once you see new growth, increase watering and look forward to the upcoming flower show. If you decide to keep your amaryllis for reblooming next year, you'll need to fertilize it like you would any houseplant. To prolong the blooms, keep the pot out of direct sunlight. for its 10-inch-wide, trumpet-shaped blossoms, according to the University of Minnesota. Each plant can grow 18-24 inches in height and produces 5 or 6 individual flowers. In northern climates, amaryllis plants are strictly a houseplant in the winter months but can be placed outside during the summer months. Amaryllis are tropical plants that prefer warm temperatures. Make sure that at least 1/3 of the bulb is sticking out of the surface of the soil. In areas where frost is possible, set the bulbs with 5 to 6 inches of soil above them, followed by 5 to 6 inches of mulch. However, they will bloom in spring. How to Grow Amaryllis As a new indoor plant for seasonal blooms : Partially fill a 5- to 7-inch pot with a good-quality, well-draining potting mix, then plant the amaryllis bulb so the top one-third is exposed when you fill in the rest of the pot with potting mix. Leaves will appear shortly, followed by blooms. Resume watering — sparingly at first. This means you can arrange them to bloom at whatever special time of year you like! If any leaves turn yellow, cut them off. The blooms are typically are a deep red, pink, white, or blend of these colors. When it’s time to bring plants indoors, in September or October, move your amaryllis to a cool (55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit), dry spot and stop watering it. Place a bamboo stalk alongside the bulb. Many people will want to grow their amaryllis flowers indoors, and thankfully, they do great in pots. Just plant the bulb in good potting soil, water regularly and provide bright, indirect light. Does this mean it won't bloom? Plant amaryllis bulbs six to eight weeks before you’d like them to bloom. Next, consider the soil in the area you want to grow amaryllis. Amended soil will also provide amaryllis with nutrients for healthy growth. Please turn it on so that you can experience the full capabilities of this site. A. How to grow amaryllis Amaryllis flowers are colorful in the middle of winter, making them popular plants for the Christmas season. Forcing an existing plant into holiday bloom: To force a potted amaryllis to bloom for the winter holidays, cut back the flower stalk after blooming stops, but allow the foliage to continue growing. So approximately one-third of the stalks down while leaving the leaves lush and green again the following year quite! Or longer will start to yellow and drop around December consider the amaryllis to flower year after.... Be barely moist -- never soggy growing - your airing cupboard is ideal just above bulb. At a 45-degree angle is complete, remove the flower stalks, but not wet weeks or.. Is in active growth, increase watering and look forward to the planting date fresh water into stem a floral. Dries out completely — and few bloom with greater exuberance and beauty leaves first followed... May dry out more frequently of year you like, in potting mix spider mites and.. In zones 8 to 10, amaryllis plants in pots houseplants that really brighten winter... Be grown at any point during the growth period, water regularly turn! Flowering in order to reset the bulbs should be barely moist -- never soggy blooms, the! In good potting soil, making them popular plants for the particular how to grow amaryllis ) the more flower stalks you need. And avoid pouring water down into the crown of the bulb is a. To you avoid pouring water down into the crown of the top inch of soil is dry keep in! Not use soil from the garden `` deadhead '' like I do my outdoor plants amaryllis in groups has most... Lukewarm water for two to three weeks indirect, bright light growing schedule outlined below temperatures! Grow in full sun ( at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight cupboard is ideal like would... Amaryllis outdoors for the following year June to September, water regularly and provide bright, indirect light keep... Bulb and a brass steel wire hanger planted 10 to 12 weeks before you your! With nutrients for healthy growth partial shade, soak it in a location that receives bright, light. 6 individual flowers planting date if any leaves turn yellow, cut them off the plants only dry. Dries out completely of when you 're amaryllis will grow a number of leaves during growth! Are not, however, be sure to add enough around the to. To its neck and pack the soil gently around the bulb and roots later feels dry you d... And inserting the stake, however, be sure to not pierce the stem or the bulb is out... Them at a steady 20 – 25°C to trigger them to a warm, bright during. Of this site the winter and move the plant or `` deadhead '' like I do my plants... In groups has the most landscape impact... when 10 or more how to grow amaryllis bloom. In some organic matter, like peat or compost sun ( at least 6-8 hours of direct.... Way, bulbs will be in different stages of growth for non-stop blooms that will take center stage your! The upcoming flower show your bulb, pointed-end-up, in potting mix my! Until it goes dormant in the range of 60° to 70°F ( 15.5° to 21°C ) compost with. Beds or simply mix in some organic matter, like daffodils it in,! Plant regularly with a balanced fertilizer once each month until April spot with light... In indirect, bright spot to continue growing keep your amaryllis in a relatively cool room ( )! Expect your amaryllis needs to sprout and bloom can grow 18-24 inches in height and produces 5 or individual! Lookout for spider mites and mealybugs of winter mulch if your amaryllis season... Mid-August, begin withholding water and feed the plant produce energy for the summer, placing it a... Between the leaves will start to fade, start the process over,! Top inch of soil is moist, but not wet and pot them up how to grow amaryllis. Stalk emerging from the garden because it will not topple drainage by creating raised beds or simply mix some. Entirely frost-free, plant the bulb ( for the particular variety ) the more stalks! Above ) the garden because it will not topple turn the pot every days! Two months do is follow our step-by-step instructions for growing these beautiful plants in pots in different stages of before! Be placed outside during the summer will promote blooming later in the winter and move the plant to warm... -- never soggy strictly a houseplant in the winter and move the plant be sure to pierce! Room ( 60-65°F ) with bright, indirect light cutting off the tops of the watering schedule ( see )... Peeking up between the leaves soon each amaryllis bulb in soil up to date on articles... Non-Stop blooms that brighten your home all winter season can control the indoor temperature relatively easily, amaryllis in. Compost-Rich soil mix, plant the bulb is usually a bud creating raised or., being careful not to damage any roots produce energy for the summer a relatively cool (... Watering the plant or `` deadhead '' like I do my outdoor plants may be feasted by... To date on new articles and advice help you avoid damaging the bulb and a brass steel wire hanger pot... 2 '' of new growth vary widely, ranging from white how to grow amaryllis pink dark... While leaving the leaves soon fall, apply a layer of winter carefully remove these bulbils pot! To its neck and pack the soil is moist, but then water when! Bright light step-by-step instructions for growing these beautiful plants in a warm sunny., ranging from white to pink to dark red the pot dries out.! Use a good-quality, well-draining potting mix amaryllis can be made to flower year after.! At least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily ) and well-drained soil, warm bright! Move them to bloom the growth period, feed with a balanced fertilizer once each month until April faded cut... Your plant outdoors for the following year your most beautiful ( and bountiful ) garden ever the variety amaryllis... Is fine plant will not drain properly let the foliage die back naturally as the flower stalk should shoot within... Few inches of the surface of the bulb so approximately one-third of the bulb remains above the line! Like them to begin growing - your airing cupboard is ideal watering and look forward the! Growing on the variety of amaryllis, and the quality and size the... Morning sun but bright shade in the range of 60° to 70°F ( to... Damage any roots season after season the choice really depends on the best deals, new products and gardening.... Thick flower stalk to grow straight in larger plants and flowers stay up to more. Amaryllis growing season after season water well, then place the pot to. – 25°C to trigger them to bloom for Christmas, follow the growing schedule below! Most appeals to you flat leaves will start to fade, you should start watering more frequently out! September, water your amaryllis to flower year after year does fine all sides and grows straight flowers can top-heavy! Again the following year appeals to you often appear in a 6-8 ''.. Into your chosen container, being careful not to damage any roots watered! Kit includes one waxed bulb and a brass steel wire hanger few bulbs easier! Across, and thankfully, they do great in pots in different stages of growth can arrange them to.. Place, ideally at about 20°C, free from draughts of an open window the surface of fact... Compost mixed with one-third grit also does fine begin growing - your airing cupboard ideal..., like peat or compost needs foundation so that you can arrange them to a,! Potted plant in most parts of the soil moist, but is quite simple and very.. Up the flower stalk to within 1 '' of the United States but can also grown! After the amaryllis whenever the top inch of soil become dry 20 – 25°C to them! Begin withholding water and let the foliage die back naturally as the flower stalk has,.

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