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Amaryllis

How to Grow & Rebloom Amaryllis

Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) is known for producing some of the largest and most eye-catching flowers you can grow indoors. Native to the tropical regions of South America, amaryllis bulbs are loved worldwide because they are easy to grow and produce bold, exotic blooms with minimal effort.

Amaryllis flowers typically grow 6 to 8 inches across and come in a wide range of colors, including red, white, pink, salmon, and orange. Some varieties even feature stripes or multicolored patterns, often blending white with shades of red or pink. Because amaryllis bulbs do not require a cold dormancy period like many other flowering bulbs, they are one of the easiest bloomers to grow inside your home.

Basic Amaryllis Growing Information

  • Planting Period: October through April
  • Blooming Period: Late December through June
  • Time to Bloom: About 6 to 8 weeks after planting

Larger bulbs generally produce more flower stalks and blooms, making bulb size an important factor when selecting plants.

Preparing Your Amaryllis Bulb

Before planting, place the base and roots of the bulb in lukewarm water for a few hours. This helps wake the bulb and encourages strong growth.

If you are not ready to plant right away, store the bulb in a cool location between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit until you are ready to use it.

How to Plant Amaryllis

Amaryllis bulbs grow best when planted in containers.

  • Choose a tall pot that is about 1 inch larger than the bulb on all sides.
  • Use loose, nutrient-rich potting soil.
  • If the bulb still has roots, gently spread them out in the pot.
  • Position the bulb with the pointed end facing upward.
  • Leave the top portion, or neck, of the bulb above the soil line.
  • Firmly press the soil around the bulb to hold it in place.
  • Water thoroughly with lukewarm water after planting.

Placement and Watering

Amaryllis plants thrive in warmth and bright light.

  • Place the pot in a warm, sunny location.
  • Ideal growing temperatures range between 68 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Water lightly at first and avoid overwatering until you see the flower stem begin to grow.
  • Once growth starts, gradually increase watering.
  • During active growth, plants may require more frequent watering.

Amaryllis plants can grow quickly, sometimes as much as one inch per day. To extend the life of the blooms, move flowering plants to a slightly cooler room or window.

Flowering Tips

Most amaryllis bulbs bloom within 6 to 8 weeks. Bloom times tend to be slightly longer during winter months and shorter during spring.

For continuous color indoors, plant bulbs every two weeks throughout the planting season.

After-Bloom Care

Many people discard amaryllis after flowering, but with proper care, bulbs can rebloom for years.

Once flowers fade:

  1. Remove the spent flowers.
  2. When the flower stem begins to droop, cut it back to about 6 inches above the bulb or just above the bulb’s top.
  3. Continue watering and fertilizing the plant as normal.

Summer Growth and Care

During spring and summer, the plant will focus on growing leaves. This stage is essential because the foliage helps the bulb store energy for future blooms.

  • Continue watering and feeding with a regular houseplant fertilizer.
  • Some gardeners move their amaryllis outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. A semi-shaded garden location works well. Just remember to water during dry periods.

Preparing Amaryllis to Rebloom

To encourage your amaryllis to flower again:

  1. Continue watering and fertilizing until early summer.
  2. Around June or July, stop watering and allow the leaves to die back naturally.
  3. Cut foliage down to about 2 inches above the bulb once it yellows.
  4. Remove the bulb from the soil and gently clean it.

Bulb Storage

Store the bulb in a cool, dark place such as a refrigerator crisper drawer for at least 6 weeks. This resting period helps prepare the bulb for reblooming.

Important: Do not store amaryllis bulbs in a refrigerator that contains apples. Apples release gases that can damage and sterilize the bulb.

When you are ready to grow again, plant the bulb about 8 weeks before you want it to bloom.

Why Grow Amaryllis?

Amaryllis bulbs are a favorite for winter and early spring color because they are simple to grow, bloom reliably, and produce large, dramatic flowers. With the ability to rebloom year after year, they are a beautiful and rewarding addition to any home.