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. In fall, apply a layer of winter mulch if your area will see winter frost. SHOP AMARYLLIS GIFTS 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. Add 1 pack of cut-flower food. During the growth period, feed your amaryllis with a half-strength water-soluble fertilizer every two to three weeks. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, Rich, well-drained soil (outdoors); rich potting mix (indoors). The leaves will start to yellow and drop around December. Water sparingly until you see about 2" of new growth. Few bulbs are easier to grow than amaryllis — and few bloom with greater exuberance and beauty. The kit includes one waxed bulb and a brass steel wire hanger. You should see the flower stalk peeking up between the leaves soon. Yes! Most varieties will begin blooming six to eight weeks after planting; some can take as long as ten weeks. Make sure that at least 1/3 of the bulb is sticking out of the surface of the soil. Just plant the bulb in good potting soil, water regularly and provide bright, indirect light. By cutting off the tops of the stalks down while leaving the leaves, you can allow the amaryllis to begin its re-flowering process. Feed and Don’t Overwater. Jeff shows us the necessary steps to keep your Amaryllis growing season after season! Leaf Growth and Development. [1] X Research source 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. If your area is entirely frost-free, plant the bulbs with their necks at, or slightly above, ground level. You can move the amaryllis outdoors for the summer, placing it in a part-shade location. The flowers can get top-heavy, and inserting the stake now will help you avoid damaging the bulb and roots later. Bring it indoors before a frost hits it and place the pot in a cool spot in indirect, bright light. How to Care for Amaryllis Bulbs Display the amaryllis away from drafts in a bright room, but not in direct sunlight. Outdoors, grow amaryllis bulbs in a well-drained, fertile soil. 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. As individual flowers start to fade, you can carefully snip them off. 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. Amaryllis will grow a number of leaves during the spring and summer. You can place your plant outdoors for summer, if you like, in partial shade. Stay up to date on new articles and advice. Plant Bulbs In Succession. Amaryllis can grow tall. Can I use the blooms as cut flowers? Does this mean it won't bloom? There is also a true amaryllis genus containing just two species native to South Africa. 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. When the flowers fade, start the process over. 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 thick flower stalk should shoot up within a few weeks. Garden amaryllis generally bloom in March, April, and May. Leaves will appear shortly followed by blooms. Blossom colors vary widely, ranging from white to pink to dark red. Cover the bulb in soil up to its neck and pack the soil down gently. 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. Amaryllis can also be planted without soil, because, as with most bulbs, all of the food the plant needs is in the starchy material inside that makes the bulb so fat. In mid-August, begin withholding water and let the foliage die back naturally as the pot dries out completely. Amaryllis prefer temperatures in the range of 60° to 70°F (15.5° to 21°C). Southern U.S. zones 9-11 can grow them outside year-round. Flower buds will appear at the top of each stalk, followed by a dramatic floral display. A. It takes a little planning and extra care, but is quite simple and very rewarding. My amaryllis is sprouting leaves, but no flower stem yet. Plant the bulb, pointed-end-up, in potting mix. Using a compost-rich soil mix, plant the bulb into your chosen container, being careful not to damage any roots. That way, bulbs will be in different stages of growth for non-stop blooms that brighten your home all winter season. The first thing to emerge from the bulb is usually a bud. Amaryllis will grow in full sun to part shade conditions. To prolong the blooms, keep the pot out of direct sunlight. A. Next, consider the soil in the area you want to grow amaryllis. After leaves appear, feed with a balanced fertilizer once each month until April. Buds will appear and blooms will begin to open within five to eight weeks. With this, the plant needs foundation so that it can stand. Using a sharp knife, cut stem at a 45-degree angle. Keep the soil moist, not wet. 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. Avoid letting the bulb sit in wet soil, and avoid pouring water down into the crown of the bulb. As your bulb grows larger and has more roots, it may dry out more frequently. Gardeners prize the amaryllis (Hippeastrum spp.) If you decide to keep your amaryllis for reblooming next year, you'll need to fertilize it like you would any houseplant. The bulbs should be planted 10 to 12 weeks before you want them to bloom. Grown as potted plants indoors, they prefer morning sun but bright shade in the afternoon. Rotating the pot every few days will help keep the stems straight. Water thoroughly after planting, but then water only when the top 2 inches of soil is 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. Once all flowers on a flower stalk has faded, cut the stem back to within a few inches of the bulb. Substitute pebbles or stones for soil, making sure to add enough around the sides to give the bulb sufficient upright support. After the flowers have faded, cut the flower stalk to within 1" of the top of the bulb. There are dozens of different amaryllis varieties, and the choice really depends on what flower color most appeals to you. You can improve drainage by creating raised beds or simply mix in some organic matter, like peat or compost. When the flowers fade, cut the flower stalk back to just above the bulb. During the growing/ flowering period, water your amaryllis whenever the top 2 inches of soil become dry. The bulb should stay dry and the soil should be barely moist -- never soggy. When growing potted bulbs, use a good-quality, well-draining potting mix. Leaves will appear shortly, followed by blooms. Good thing they are among the easiest bulbs to grow! Use trellis or twigs so that the plant will not topple. Just plant the bulb in good potting soil, water regularly and provide bright, indirect light. 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. Grow amaryllis indoors at any time of year. Amaryllis are becoming popular cut flowers, and, surprisingly, they often last longer in a vase — up to two weeks! Plant amaryllis bulbs six to eight weeks before you’d like them to bloom. Stop feeding the plant in August. Turn the pot every few days, so the flower stalk gets uniform exposure on all sides and grows straight. Keep the amaryllis in a warm, bright spot with lots of direct sunlight. Once the plant is in active growth, water regularly and turn the pot periodically to encourage the stalk to grow straight. Keep the plant watered so the soil is moist, but not wet. The trumpet-shaped blooms grow up to six inches across, and several flowers often appear in succession. The foliage will already be dying back. Place a bamboo stalk alongside the bulb. When it comes to amaryllis bulbs, bigger is better. Pack the soil gently around the bulb so approximately one-third of the bulb remains above the soil line. The waxed Amaryllis bulbs produce gorgeous red blooms that will take center stage in your holiday home. Once a stem begins to grow you should start watering more frequently. Leaves and additional stems will follow. Consider the amaryllis when your home needs a bright spot during the dead of winter. If the bulb is planted … Grow your amaryllis indoors during winter and spring. But amaryllis bulbs are often purchased to grow as potted plants for holiday bloom, which is only possible if you plant the dormant bulbs at precisely the right time—about 10 to 12 weeks before desired bloom time. Q. How to Grow Amaryllis Initially, you should place your bulb in a cool spot with indirect light. Amaryllis is a subtropical bulb that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and is native to South Africa. Amaryllis requires a dry rest period immediately after flowering in order to reset the bulbs for future blooms. The bulbs should be planted 10 to 12 weeks before you want them to bloom. A. — than they do when left growing on the plant. Plant Amaryllis bulbs every week or two, for one to two months. Partially fill a clean vase or other container with water (amaryllis stay fresh longer in shallow water). However, they will bloom in spring. Please turn it on so that you can experience the full capabilities of this site. Carefully remove these bulbils and pot them up to produce more plants. Two-thirds good compost mixed with one-third grit also does fine. Growing Amaryllis Indoors. Allowing the plant to bloom naturally in this way will result in larger plants and flowers. This means you can arrange them to bloom at whatever special time of year you like! How to grow amaryllis Amaryllis flowers are colorful in the middle of winter, making them popular plants for the Christmas season. 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. Store the dormant bulb in a cool, dark and dry place for a minimum of eight weeks; longer is fine. If your amaryllis is not already potted, plant each amaryllis bulb in a 6-8" pot. Important: do not use soil from the garden because it will not drain properly. 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. Keep it in bright light, indoors or out. You can expect your amaryllis to bloom for seven weeks or longer. Details below ("For Bloom Next Year"). Keep watering the plant until it goes dormant in the fall. 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. 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. Your browser's Javascript functionality is turned off. Others send up the flower stalk first, followed by the leaves. Because of the fact you can control the indoor temperature relatively easily, amaryllis plants can be grown at any point during the year. In northern climates, amaryllis plants are strictly a houseplant in the winter months but can be placed outside during the summer months. 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! All you need to do is follow our step-by-step instructions for growing these beautiful plants in a container of your choice. Amaryllis are tropical plants that prefer warm temperatures. After flowering, withhold feeding to induce the dormancy needed to reset the bulbs. You can grow them indoors everywhere during the winter and move them outside for a summer vacation. A. Place the pot in a location that receives bright, indirect light. Sit back and watch it bloom! These are not, however, the plants cultivated in the U.S.as amaryllis. These bulbs prefer well-draining soil. Give them a few seasons of growth before expecting flowers. This will help the plant produce energy for the following year's bloom. 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. This chart gives you an idea of when you're amaryllis will bloom relative to the planting date. 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. Once you see new growth, increase watering and look forward to the upcoming flower show. Outdoors, bright shade is the best environment. Keep watering as usual and new flower stalks should appear in a month or two. Fertilize the plant once or twice a month to keep the leaves lush and green. Q. Growing amaryllis in groups has the most landscape impact...when 10 or more go into bloom, the sight is spectacular. In zones 8 to 10, amaryllis bulbs can be planted in the garden. Amaryllis are rewarding, easy-care houseplants that really brighten a winter windowsill. 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. Choose a site with full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily) and well-drained soil. Amaryllis plants in pots in different stages of growth. When the flowers fade, start the process over. 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. Water: Water the amaryllis whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. If grown in a frost-free garden (Zones 8 to 10), amaryllis will naturally bloom in March, April, and May, with fall rebloom possible. A. Resume feeding at this time and move the plant to a warm, sunny spot. How to Grow Amaryllis. Amaryllis bulbs will produce side bulbs, like daffodils. The bulb is depleted of minerals after flowering, but the stalks remain. Some amaryllis bulbs sprout leaves first, and then the flower stalk emerges a little later. To prolong the blooms, keep the pot away from heat and direct sunlight. Can amaryllis grow outside? How many flower stalks will my bulb produce? A support stake is handy for keeping the blooms upright, but little else is required. Slow Or Speed Up Growth. From then on, water regularly. Once the bulbs have sprouted, move them to a warm, bright spot to continue growing. 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. Before you plant your bulb, soak it in lukewarm water for two to four hours. Q. Q. After danger of frost, you can move it outside for the summer. It usually takes six to eight weeks for amaryllis to bloom, but check the label on the variety you have — some bloom faster, and some slower. More tips and advice from Laura at Garden Answer. Few bulbs are easier to grow than amaryllis — and few bloom with greater exuberance and beauty. When flowering is complete, remove the flower stalks, but leave the foliage to continue growing. As the plant grows, turn the pot periodically to encourage the flower stalks to grow straight. The blooms are typically are a deep red, pink, white, or blend of these colors. Immediately turn flower upside down and pour fresh water into stem. These plants have strappy leaves and huge flowers shaped like trumpet lilies. If any leaves turn yellow, cut them off. After a few weeks, you will see a stalk emerging from the bulb. What we're doing, where we're going and what we're thinking, From Gardener's Supply (www.gardeners.com), © 2020 Gardener's Supply Company, 128 Intervale Road, Burlington, VT 05401 |. Many people will want to grow their amaryllis flowers indoors, and thankfully, they do great in pots. This depends on the variety of amaryllis, and the quality and size of the bulb. When putting the stake, however, be sure to not pierce the stem or the bulb as this can kill the plant. By following these basic care guidelines, you will be able to encourage your amaryllis to flower year after year. for its 10-inch-wide, trumpet-shaped blossoms, according to the University of Minnesota. Growing Amaryllis. In general, the larger the bulb (for the particular variety) the more flower stalks you'll get. 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. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. Resume watering at this time and move the plant to a warm, sunny spot. 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. Some recommended choices include: Keep on the lookout for spider mites and mealybugs. At first, only water when the top inch of the soil feels dry. Amaryllis make fantastic holiday centerpieces and wonderful long-term houseplants. The stored bulb contains all the "food" your amaryllis needs to sprout and bloom. After the amaryllis has stopped flowering, it can be made to flower again. The plants typically go dormant over winter. The lack of foliage and water will induce the amaryllis to send out another flower stalk. How: The area in which you plant amaryllis bulbs must drain very well. Do I leave the faded flowers on the plant or "deadhead" like I do my outdoor plants? 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. Get in on the best deals, new products and gardening tips. Outdoors, they are hardy to zone 8, and zone 7 gardeners can sometimes overwinter them in the garden if the ground is heavily mulched. Water well, then place the pot in bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist, but not wet. Q. For best results, grow your amaryllis in a relatively cool room (60-65°F) with bright, indirect light. Forcing amaryllis into seasonal bloom requires careful manipulation of the watering schedule (see above). 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. Amended soil will also provide amaryllis with nutrients for healthy growth. In order to grow amaryllis to bloom for Christmas, follow the growing schedule outlined below. Outdoor plants may be feasted upon by slugs and snails. Amaryllis can be encouraged to blossom again the following year. Each plant can grow 18-24 inches in height and produces 5 or 6 individual flowers. 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 … Continue to water and feed the plant regularly with a liquid houseplant fertilizer. 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. The flat leaves will follow as the flower stalk matures. From June to September, water the plants only during dry periods. Keep them in a bright, warm, sunny place, ideally at about 20°C, free from draughts of an open window. Keep them away from freezing windows and drying radiators. Heavy pots are preferable because lightweight pots may tip over under the weight of the blooms. While growing amaryllis indoors, you should fertilize the plant every two to three weeks. Sometimes the long flower stems benefit from a little extra support. Keeping the plant healthy and growing throughout the summer will promote blooming later in the season. Do I need to fertilize my amaryllis? 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. Resume watering — sparingly at first.