Few bulbs are easier to grow than amaryllis, and few bloom more luxuriantly and beautifully. Simply plant the bulb in a good potting soil, water regularly, and provide bright indirect light. A support stake is useful for keeping flowers upright, but little else is required. Most varieties will begin to flower six to eight weeks after planting; some can take up to ten weeks.
If your amaryllis is not already potted, plant each amaryllis bulb in a 6-8″ pot. Heavy pots are preferable because lightweight pots can tip over under the weight of the flowers.
Plant the bulb, pointy end up, in potting mix. Pack the soil lightly around the bulb so that about one-third of the bulb remains above the soil line.
Important: Do not use garden soil because it will not drain properly.
Place the pot in a location that receives bright, indirect light. Water sparingly until you see about 2″ of new growth. Thereafter, water regularly. As the plant grows, rotate the pot periodically so that the flower stalks grow straight. Flower buds will appear at the top of each stem, followed by a spectacular floral display. To prolong blooms, keep the pot out of direct sunlight.
When will it bloom?
This chart gives you an idea of when the amaryllis will flower in relation to the planting date. It usually takes six to eight weeks for amaryllis to bloom, but check the label on the variety you have: some flower faster, some slower.
Seedᴛι̇ɱe
flowering period
October 15th
Nov 19-Dec 10
November 1st
December 6-27
November 15
December 20-Jan. 10
December 1st
January 6-28
December 15
Jan. 19-Feb. 9
January 1
February 6-26
January 15
February 19-March 12
February 1st
March 8-29
February 15
April 5-26
Frequent questions
Q. My amaryllis is putting out leaves, but it doesn’t have a flower stem yet. Does this mean that it will not bloom?A. Some amaryllis bulbs sprout leaves first and then the flower stalk emerges a little later. Others send the flower stem first, followed by the leaves. You should see the flower stalk poking through the leaves soon.
Q. Do I need to fertilize my amaryllis?A. The stored bulb contains all the “food” your amaryllis needs to bud and flower. If you decide to keep your amaryllis to bloom again next year, you’ll need to fertilize it as you would any houseplant. Details below (“For Bloom next year”).
Q. Can I use the flowers as cut flowers?A. Yes! Amaryllis are becoming popular as cut flowers and surprisingly often last longer in a vase, up to two weeks! – of what they do when left to grow on the plant. Instead of relegating a tall amaryllis to a windowsill or sideboard, you can create a dramatic centerpiece for your dining room table by using a relatively short vase and combining amaryllis blooms with other flowers and foliage.