Amaryllis Growing Instructions

The wonderfully bright, long-lasting blooms that Amaryllis produce are undoubtedly one of the most joyous parts of the winter months. Symbolizing determination, beauty, and love, their incredible resilience makes them virtually fool-proof. See our planting tips to grow your own Amaryllis!

• When your bulbs arrive, open the box right away and check the contents.
• Our Amaryllis Growing Kits include soil and a pot, so you can easily plant right away.
• If you've ordered Amaryllis Bulbs only, choose a heavy, standard size flower pot, so the large bulb has approximately 1” around the sides and at the bottom. Amaryllis bulbs are the size of a very large onion (or larger), but they like to be somewhat crowded in their pots. Be sure it has drainage holes so excess water can drain, and add saucer to catch the runoff.
• Amaryllis do not need specific soil, however, we suggest using quick-draining soil, or a mixture of soil, peat, and perlite. Do not use pine bark, as it may encourage rot.
• Place one to two inches of moist potting soil in the bottom of the pot. 
• Plant the bulb with its "shoulders above the soil," so the top inch or so sticks up out of the soil. Fill in around the bulb with potting soil, firming it gently. Water just enough to fully moisten and settle the soil.
• When first planted, place the pot in a sunny window, and add “bottom heat” if
  possible. (Many people do this by placing the pot on a radiator).

• You can expect to see blooms in 6-12 weeks after planting. Your amaryllis will produce spectacular flowers with minimal care.
• Water very sparingly until the sprout is well out of the bulb. Once the sprout appears, water lightly when the soil is dry. Do not overwater, as this is the quickest way to kill Amaryllis. 
• Turn the pot regularly to encourage the stalk to grow straight. Flower stalks have a tendency to bend to grow toward the light.
• Once the bulb is flowering, it is best to move the plant out of direct sunlight. Your bulb will produce several flowers on each stalk, and most will grow multiple stalks.
  Remove each flower as it fades.

Plant Multiple Varieties

Most amaryllis will bloom 6 to 12 weeks after planting, but the time varies for different amaryllis varieties. Plant several varieties for a long season of bloom!

While you're waiting to plant, store your amaryllis bulbs in a cool (40-50°F), dry, dark place. (Not the refrigerator; it's too cold.) Don't worry if the bulbs begin to sprout a little; just take care not to damage the emerging shoots.

Plant Bulbs In Succession

Plant Amaryllis bulbs every week or two, for one to two months. That way, bulbs will be in different stages of growth for non-stop blooms that brighten your home all winter season. 

Slow Or Speed Up Growth

While it's best to grow amaryllis at room temperature, you can vary the growth rate by modifying the temperature slightly. Once the flower stalk is formed, you can slow its growth by placing the plant in a room that's a bit cooler (55° to 60°F) or speed its growth with warmer temperatures (75° to 80° F).

Prolong The Life Of Blooms

Once your Amaryllis is in full bloom, keep it looking its best by keeping it at cool room temperature and out of direct sunlight. If it's on display in a warm room, just put it in a cool place (55° to 60°F) at night. Remove spent blooms after they fade. Watch for additional flower shoots, which sometimes appear as the first flowers fade. 

Tip:  Amaryllis make thoughtful gifts! Consider potting up some Amaryllis Growing Kits so they're near bloom, or blooming, in time for holiday gift-giving.

Since these bulbs are tropical (native to South America), they can be grown beautifully outdoors in very warm and frost-free zones 9-11. (This means from southern Georgia down through Florida, south Texas, and much of the Pacific coast.) Planting time in these areas is usually October or November, and if the bed is well-cared for, the bulbs will stay in the ground and flower for years.