When to Plant Amaryllis Bulbs
Plant Amaryllis in fall for beautiful Spring blooms.
Where to Plant Amaryllis Bulbs
Plant Amaryllis in well-draining soil with plenty of sunlight. If planting indoors in a pot, make sure you rotate the pot for maximum sun exposure.
How to Plant Amaryllis Bulbs
Amaryllis bulbs should be planted in pots which are approximately 1 to 2 inches wider than the diameter of the bulb. Containers may be plastic or clay, but should have drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. Add a small amount of potting soil to the bottom of the pot. Center the bulb in the middle of the pot. Then add additional potting soil, firming it around the roots and bulb. Allow 2 inches between the bulb and the edge of the pot. The upper 1/2 of the bulb should be above the surface of the soil.
Tamp the potted bulb gently to settle it into the pot and to firm the soil. Mature Amaryllis are heavy and will topple if not properly seated in the soil. Then water well and place in a cool (60 F) location. Water sparingly until growth appears.
For waxed amaryllis bulbs: Once the amaryllis has bloomed and the bulb has reduced in size, remove the wax by peeling it off by hand or using a razor knife. Take special care to not damage the bulb when removing the wax. Once the wax is off, plant the bulbs as explained above.
How to Care for Amaryllis
When growth begins, water more frequently, move the plant to a warm, sunny window and apply a water-soluble fertilizer every to 2 to 4 weeks. Flowering normally occurs about 6 to 9 weeks after potting. When the flower bud appears, turn the pot daily so that the flower-bearing stalk grows straight. The individual flowers can reach up to 8 inches in diameter. When blooms fade, cut off the tubular flower stem near the top of the bulb, leaving the foliage to continue growing. Water as usual and apply a water-soluble fertilizer every four weeks. Once the danger of frost is past you may move your Amaryllis bulb outdoors to your garden where it can enjoy the summer sun. Be sure to continue your fertilizer program every four weeks as this is necessary for the next round of indoor forcing. In early Autumn, bring your Amaryllis bulb inside and allow it to completely dry out. Cut off the dry leaves and let it "rest" for 6 weeks. Now repot your Amaryllis bulb in new soil and start the process all over again.
