My Amaryllis Passion Grows! How to Plant, Propagate, & Rebloom Amaryllis Bulbs + Cut Amaryllis Tips!
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Published 2022-12-14
When I first started growing amaryllis, I would purchase boxed grow kits from the local Tractor and Supply. These kits included dehydrated coco coir, a plastic pot, and a small amaryllis bulb. Generally, these small bulbs produced only one or two flowering stalks. But, as my passion for amaryllis grew, I started to invest in larger bulbs.
Amaryllis bulbs are sold in centimeters which is the measurement around the widest part of the bulb. I prefer to purchase 34/36 or 38/40 cm bulbs whenever possible. Larger bulbs will produce more flowers and have thicker, stronger stems than their smaller counterparts. Infact, I've had some 38 cm bulbs put out five flowering stems. These jumbo amaryllis bulbs are a full year older than smaller bulbs and will be slightly more expensive. In my opinion it’s completely worth the extra cost.
Most amaryllis bulbs come from Peru, South Africa, Brazil (Southern Hemisphere) or Holland (Northern Hemisphere). These bulbs naturally flower according to their country of origins calendar. Southern hemisphere bulbs are groomed for immediate performance and will bloom just 4-6 weeks after planting. You will often see these amaryllis listed as “Early Blooming” or “Christmas Flowering.”
However, amaryllis bulbs grown in the northern hemisphere (Holland) will generally bloom 8-12 weeks after planting. If you want to hold amaryllis bulbs, it’s best to use Northern Hemisphere bulbs.
Planting amaryllis bulbs is a fun, quick, and easy endeavor. Amaryllis bulbs prefer to be relatively tight in their pots so choose a container that's approximately 2 inches wider than your bulb. A heavy container with a drainage hole will keep the display from toppling over and from becoming waterlogged.
Fill your container halfway full of high quality premoistened potting soil. Set the bulb on top the soil and fill in around the bulb with more potting soil leaving the top 1/3 of the bulb exposed.
After your bulbs are planted water around the perimeter bulb. Then keep the soil barely moist, applying approximately 1/2 cup of water per week. Place your pots in a warm area (68-70°F) with bright, indirect light and watch them grow and bloom!
Bonus Tip! A 2013 study by Cornell and Kansas State University concluded that soaking amaryllis roots in room temperature water for 12 hours prior to planting resulted in more rapid and uniform early leaf growth, and greater overall early vigor. Read the full study HERE.
Reblooming an amaryllis bulb for future holidays is easier than it sounds. As with other flower bulbs, amaryllis use their leaves to produce energy for next year’s flowers. If you want them to rebloom at a certain time you will need to control their calendar. To have your amaryllis flower again at Christmas follow these steps.
After blooming, grow your amaryllis as a houseplant for the rest of winter and spring. Give it plenty of light inside the home and keep it watered. After all danger of frost has passed move the pot outside for the summer. The bulb should stay dry, and the soil should be barely moist -- never soggy. If your summers are wet, you may need to shield the pot from excessive rain.
In late summer, stop watering and move the potted bulb to a cool (50-55°F), dark, dry location. An unheated basement is ideal. The leaves will gradually wither as the plant goes dormant. Leave the bulb alone and don’t water them for 2-3 months.
After dormancy, bring the bulbs back into a warm area with bright light. Remove all the dead foliage, top dress the bulb with fresh soil, and water well to wake up the bulbs.
Amaryllis bulbs increase in diameter as they age and may need repotted every three to four years. To repot, remove the bulb from the container and gently shake off excess soil. Remove the dry scales and repot into the next size pot.
Ideally, you want to bring the bulbs out of dormancy 8-12 weeks before you want them to rebloom. Therefore, if you want an amaryllis to be in bloom on Christmas day you would put them into dormancy in August, take them out of dormancy in October, and they should rebloom in late December/early January. Naturally, there are variables, but this is the calendar that has given me the best success rate for subsequent holiday blooms.
All Comments (21)
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I have had the same amaryllis for 26 years, it still flowers and has had many babies😊
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I have gotten old and it's hard to take care of all my flowers so I planted all of my amaryllis outside. I live in Tennessee. So far they have come back and bloomed every year, and that's been 3 years now
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The most comprehensive amaryllis tutorial I've seen. Thank you Danielle!
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I rescued a bulb from the grocery store that was going out of business next door. The plant is named Dominic. Then I took on my neighbor's bulb just before she passed. THAT one produces seeds!!! I have so may Amaryllis babies I'm taking care of :O
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Thank you so much for the suggestion to soak the roots before planting once they are out of dormancy. They stood straight and tall without staking. I enjoy your channel so much!
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my bulb, after more than a year, just came back with 4 brilliant blossoms!
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It’s hard to believe that the very first amaryllis I’ve ever grown is in my window now. I’ve grown lots of things but I’m just now learning about these beauties. Thanks for your very informative video without having to watch several different ones, you’ve described the process and what to expect at each stage. Well done 👍
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Best video ever!! I got into amaryllis 3-4 years ago and have managed to collect 15 different varieties. They give me a lot of entertainment. You'll never find a flower that gives you so much bang for a buck with so little effort.
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"if that's not fun, I don't know what is!" Kindred garden spirits! Thank you for this educational video. Reblooming my first Amaryllis bulb, it truly is so fun!
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I potted up my first Amaryllis this year because of your enthusiasm for them. I'm really enjoying watching them emerge 💛
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In 24 minutes (the length of your video) I learned more about amaryllis than I have by watching other videos and reading about the plant!! This video was SO VERY HELPFUL!!! Thank you so much ~ I never knew anything about why larger bulbs were better to have, or that buying them from southern climate growers was so important for Christmas blooms. Thank you thank you!! I just found your channel, and I just subscribed!! Have a wonderful holiday and Happy New Year!
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One of the best videos I have ever seen. Smart, interesting and funny, and of course the most important - just tells you all in clear and understandable manner. Well done and thank you! :)
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I love this flower. Every year I buy them for me and my grandchildren. On Sundays we swap pictures to see who is going to be the first to have flowers. Then who has the most blooms. So fun!
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Amaryllis are just the most beautiful, easy flower to grow. I just love them so much.❤
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Your passion for amaryllis is contagious! I have purchased 9 bulbs this year - some for gifts and some for me! ❤
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Your sheer Joy for Amaryllis just shined through! Always enjoy and learn so much from you👏👏 Thanks Danielle 💝
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Finally some superb Amaryllis advice !! you are briliant, all the info I need and have been trying to find for a long time. Well done !!
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My addiction is coleus. I love all the bright colour variations. Now that I’ve watched your video I want an Amaryllis.
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I bought a white amaryllis from Trader Joe’s this year. It had three flower stalks and the first one had SEVEN blooms! There was also an offset. I hit the jackpot and really want to keep it going. Thank you for all the helpful advice.
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Your video on amarillysis, from A to Z, was extremely amazing and educational. Picked up some great pointers on post blooming, and how to navigate after that segment, great tips.
