Time to Plant Amaryllis Bulbs
Traditionally, Amaryllis is planted to bloom at Christmas time. And with cheery blooms in reds and whites, that is natural. But I don’t follow tradition.
Amaryllis
an easy-to-grow
winter bulb
Amaryllis are fabulously showy plants, and if you live in Zones 8-10 you can plant your bulbs directly in the ground in much of North America. There are even some varieties that will tolerate the cold of Zone 7.
But for those of us in colder climates, Amaryllis are wonderful winter blooms — bringing cheer into the house during the depths of winter. To grow Amaryllis inside, we are essentially forcing the bulbs, though they don’t require a period of chilling unlike forced tulips.
Traditionally, Amaryllis bulbs are planted so that they bloom in December for the holiday season. But I do things a little differently: I plant in December for blooms around Valentine’s Day. That way I get to enjoy their vibrant colors and frilly blooms when it is cold and snowy. It’s the perfect winter flower for my home!
Amyrillis Blooms
Why Plant in December?
Bulbs are on Sale
Amaryllis bulbs often go on sale at the beginning of December and can be ordered well into January. And they are cheaper than in the fall. I like to save money!
Cheerful Flowers in February
I love snow and chilly days snuggled by the fire, but I also need color and growing things in the winter. Amaryllis fit the bill. They are gorgeous at Valentine’s Day!
Fall is Busy!
Frankly, with all of the other gardening that I do in the fall, planting anything for inside just has to wait. So I don’t get around to it until December at the earliest!
How to Pot Up Amaryllis Bulbs
Planting or potting up Amaryllis bulbs could not be easier, frankly. They aren’t fussy, and they need very little care which also makes them a wonderful and inexpensive gift. In fact, there are great Amaryllis kits which include a bulb, potting medium, and even a pot. I’ve linked to those below. But, if you just buy the bulb itself, it’s easy to get your Amaryllis potted up and ready to go.
Supplies
To plant your Amaryllis bulb you will need:
A narrow pot: about 1-2” wider than your bulb. Amaryllis like to be confined, but the pot can be somewhat deep as it will develop good roots.
An Amaryllis bulb of your choice: they come in shades and combinations of pink, white, and red with variations of petal shape, number of blooms at once, and height. The bulb will look much like a large onion.
Potting mix: choose a peat-free, free-draining mix. My seed-starting mix recipe works perfectly for Amaryllis.
Potting Up
Fill your pot about half-way with potting mix. Place the bulb inside the pot. Then fill until the soil level is at the bulbs “shoulders.” The top should not be buried.
Water your bulb so that the soil is moist but not soaking wet. Allow it to drain well.
Don’t water again until you begin to see growth.
Watering Your Amaryllis
Allow the top 2 inches of your pot to dry out between waterings. Then water and allow the pot to fully drain.
Feed your Amaryllis every time you water until it is finished blooming, but dilute the feed to half the recommended strength.
Caring for your Amaryllis
Amaryllis are perennial plants and have been known to bloom for 75 years. So your investment in a bulb will reward you for years to come.
Water regularly but allow it to dry out between waterings. And feed your plant regularly, too.
Unlike many bulbs, Amaryllis don’t require a period of dormancy, so they will keep blooming as long as they have adequate light and regular feedings.
For more information about the long-term care of your Amaryllis, this guide from the University of Minnesota is fabulous!
