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Amaryllis Planting & Growing Guide
The holiday season just isn't complete without the radiant blooms of Amaryllis. Luckily, these festive flowers are among the easiest to grow and make excellent long-term houseplants. Grow them indoors during the winter for stunning centerpieces and move them outside for a refreshing summer vacation. In warmer regions, Amaryllis are content outdoors year-round and offer vibrant displays of color in the spring. Oh, and if you love cut flowers like we do, then you'll be amazed by how long these beauties last in vases! Read on to learn more about planting and growing your own Amaryllis!
Success Snapshot
PLANTING
DEPTH
Top 1" of bulb exposed
WATER
QUANTITY
Moderate to Low
SUNLIGHT
QUANTITY
Bright Direct/Indirect
PLANTING
PROXIMITY
N/A
BLOOM
SEASON
Flowers 40-60 Days indoors. Mid-Spring outdoors.
HARDINESS
ZONES
Zones 9-11 or indoors
Shop Related Products
Amaryllis - Minerva 5 Pack
$39.95
Contains: 5 Amaryllis bulbs
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Minerva'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Picotee
$16.95
Contains: 1 large amaryllis bulb
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Picotee'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Minerva
$14.95
Contains: 1 large amaryllis bulb
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Minerva'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Pink Pizzazz
$14.95
Contains: 1 large amaryllis bulb
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Pink Pizzazz'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Support Stakes Trio
$24.95
Contains: N/A
Botanical Name: N/A
Exposure: N/A
Hardiness: N/A
Amaryllis - White Christmas 5 Pack
$74.95
Contains: 5 Amaryllis bulbs
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'White Christmas'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Pink Flush
$19.95
Contains: 1 large amaryllis bulb
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Pink Flush'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Pink Ladies Collection
$44.95
Contains: 3 large amaryllis bulbs, clearly marked
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Benfica
$18.95
Contains: 1 large amaryllis bulb
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Benfica'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Bogota
$16.95
Contains: 1 large amaryllis bulb
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Bogota'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Santiago
$19.95
Contains: 1 large amaryllis bulb
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Santiago'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Sweet Nymph
$24.95
Contains: 1 large amaryllis Sweet Nymph
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Sweet Nymph'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - White Clouds Duo
$23.95
Contains: 2 large amaryllis bulbs, clearly marked
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'White Clouds Duo'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - White Christmas
$18.95
Contains: 1 large amaryllis bulb
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'White Christmas'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Nymph
$18.95
Contains: 1 large amaryllis bulb
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Nymph'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Elvas
$18.95
Contains: 1 large amaryllis Elvas bulb
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Elvas'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Replay
$18.95
Contains: 1 large amaryllis bulb
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Replay'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Double Record
$19.95
Contains: 1 large amaryllis bulb
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Double Record'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Aphrodite
$18.95
Contains: 1 large amaryllis bulb
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Aphrodite'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Sumatra
$16.95
Contains: 1 large amaryllis bulb
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Sumatra'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Tinkerbell
$16.95
Contains: 1 large amaryllis bulb
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Tinkerbell'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Papilio Butterfly
$24.95
Contains: 1 large amaryllis bulb
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Papilio Butterfly'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Vera
$18.95
Contains: 1 large amaryllis bulb
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Vera'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Red Peacock
$18.95
Contains: 1 large amaryllis bulb
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Red Peacock'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Evergreen
$18.95
Contains: 1 large Amaryllis Evergreen bulb
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Evergreen'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Exotica
$15.95
Contains: 1 large amaryllis bulb
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Exotica'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Pink Surprise
$18.95
Contains: 1 large amaryllis bulb
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Pink Surprise'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Half & Half
$16.95
Contains: 1 large amaryllis bulb
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Half & Half'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Misty (Fragrant)
$18.95
Contains: 1 large amaryllis bulb
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Misty'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Lemon Lime
$15.95
Contains: 1 large amaryllis bulb
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Lemon Lime'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Ruby Star
$16.95
Contains: 1 large amaryllis bulb
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Ruby Star'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Double Dream
$11.95
Contains: 1 large amaryllis bulb
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Double Dream'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Monte Carlo
$6.95
Contains: 1 large amaryllis bulb
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Monte Carlo'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Estella
$8.95
Contains: 1 large amaryllis bulb
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Estella'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Apple Blossom 5 Pack
$74.95
Contains: 5 Amaryllis bulbs
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Apple Blossom'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Jingle Bells Collection
$49.95
Contains: 3 large amaryllis bulbs, clearly marked
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Apple Blossom
$11.95
Contains: 1 large amaryllis bulb
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Appleblossom'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Quito
$8.95
Contains: 1 large amaryllis Quito bulb
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Quito'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Dancing Queen 5 Pack
$74.95
Contains: 5 Amaryllis bulbs
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Dancing Queen'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Gervase
$18.95
Contains: 1 large amaryllis bulb
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Gervase'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Dancing Queen
$11.95
Contains: 1 large amaryllis bulb
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Dancing Queen'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Glee 5 Pack
$74.95
Contains: 5 Glee Amaryllis Bulbs
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Glee'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Glee
$18.95
Contains: 1 large amaryllis bulb
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Glee'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Desire
$10.95
Contains: 1 large amaryllis bulb
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Desire'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Clown
$11.95
Contains: 1 large amaryllis bulb
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Clown'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Snow Drift 5 Pack
$74.95
Contains: 5 Amaryllis bulbs
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Snow Drift'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Snow Drift
$14.95
Contains: 1 large amaryllis bulb
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Snow Drift'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Double Dragon
$18.95
Contains: 1 amaryllis bulb
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Double Dragon'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Magic Medley Mix Trio
$24.95
Contains: 3 large amaryllis bulbs
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Amaryllis - Exotic Peacock
$18.95
Contains: 1 large amaryllis Exotic Peacock
Botanical Name: Hippeastrum 'Exotic Peacock'
Exposure: Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 9-11 or indoors
Where to Plant
Whether you're growing indoors or outdoors, it's essential to locate a spot with plenty of bright light or some light shade. These ravishing plants thrive in well-drained soil but rot if their feet are left wet, so be sure to amend the soil as necessary. While they happily grow outdoors all year long in zones 8–10, they shine indoors during the holidays as centerpieces, flowering gifts, and living décor. If the rooms in your home are too dark, keep your Amaryllis by a well-lit windowsill for the most attractive blooms.
When to Plant
Typically, Amaryllis bulbs are planted from October to April, depending on the specific variety and your climate. They'll naturally bloom in the spring and create a spectacular show and can be encouraged to rebloom for the holidays. When everything outside is gray during the winter months, Amaryllis flowers provide the perfect pop of color.
How to Plant
- For outdoor landscape planting, locate a sunny spot for your Amaryllis, making sure the soil is well-draining with space for 4" between each bulb.
- For container planting, select a container that is just 1–2" wider and a few inches taller than your Amaryllis bulb, as they prefer to be snug. If you're planting multiple bulbs in one container, make sure there's an inch between each bulb and the side of the container.
- Plant your bulb with the pointed end facing up and the top inch of the bulb exposed or not covered by soil.
- Water the soil until it is about as damp as a wrung-out sponge.
How to Grow
- Water sparingly until you notice new, green growth emerge from the top. From that point forward, keep the soil about as moist as a wrung-out sponge.
- Turn your indoor pots every few days to keep the stems growing straight.
- Snip off flower stems at the base when all blooms on the stem have opened and faded.
- Leave the foliage in place after the plant finishes blooming and keep the soil moist so the bulb can replenish itself for the next season's blooms.
- Apply pine straw mulch during the winter in zone 8 to protect the bulbs from freeze/thaw cycles and remove the mulch in the spring.
- Store dormant bulbs in a cool, dark, dry place between 40–50°F for a minimum of 8 weeks.
Amaryllis Tips & Tricks
- Choose pottery containers or other sturdy options with a wide or square base to support the heavy Amaryllis blooms.
- Cut back on the water after planting if your bulb isn't growing as expected and wait until you see new, green shoots.
- Grow several Amaryllis bulbs at once so you can clip a few for bouquets or arrangements.
- Expect your Amaryllis to bloom 4 to 8 weeks after initial planting indoors when purchased and planted in the fall. While exotic Amaryllis types may take longer to bloom, they are well worth the wait and make excellent long-term houseplants.
- Help your Amaryllis rebloom during the holidays by moving it indoors around mid-August to start the dormancy period.
- Amend heavy soils with coco coir, compost, finely ground bark, or composted manure.