Amaryllis Planting & Growing Guide

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.

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