Amaryllis After the Holidays: Get Years of Garden Blooms

Don't toss those pricey amaryllis bulbs after the holidays! With proper care, these stunning flowers can rebloom in your garden for years. Many varieties are hardier than commonly thought—some tolerate temperatures as low as 10°F—but they generally thrive outdoors in Sunset zones 13, 15–17, 21–24, H1, and H2 (with shelter in zones 8, 9, 14, 18, 20).

Brent Heath of Brent and Becky's Bulbs recommends 'Baby Star' (deep red with white stripes), 'Dancing Queen' (double red-and-white candy stripes), and 'Picotee' (white edged with red) for garden growing.

How to Encourage Rebloom

1. After flowers fade (winter), remove blooms before seedpods form but leave stems and foliage to replenish the bulb. Cut stems off at the base once they shrivel.
2. Water and feed – Water when soil is dry 1 in. deep (about weekly). Feed every couple of months with half-strength liquid fertilizer while leaves are green. Keep in a bright, protected spot indoors.
3. If foliage dies back, withhold water and fertilizer. Remove dead leaves at the base.
4. Move outdoors after frost danger passes, ideally to morning sun with afternoon shade.
5. Spring care – When new leaves emerge, top-dress with fresh soil (keep bulb top exposed). Resume regular watering and fertilizing. Bloom should occur in late spring or summer.
6. Fall dormancy – Stop watering and feeding after foliage fades. Remove dead leaves. Move container to a protected spot (in cold climates, bring indoors to a cool, dry place like a basement or garage).

Info: Brent and Becky's Bulbs (877/661-2852)

With this cycle, your holiday amaryllis becomes a perennial garden star.