Growing Amaryllis: Planting, Care, and Year-Round Reblooming

When amaryllis blooms, its 2-foot stalks crowned with 8–10 inch flowers command the room. Each bulb produces 1–3 stalks with 3–4 blossoms each. Colors range from red, orange, pink, yellow, white, in single or double forms, plus wild species and miniatures. No cold storage needed—just pot, place in sun, and water. Pre-potted kits are available, but potting yourself is easy and equally rewarding.

Holiday Countdown

Dormant bulbs need 6–7 weeks to bloom. For holiday flowers, plant first or second week of November. Some bulbs sprout on the shelf, blooming sooner.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Select a large, firm, unblemished bulb with healthy roots. Untangle roots before planting. Bigger bulb = more stalks. Store unpotted bulbs in cool (50–60°F), dark, ventilated spot.

2. Soak roots in lukewarm water 3–4 hours before planting.

3. Choose a pot twice as tall as the bulb. Suspend bulb, fill with well-drained mix high in peat or vermiculite. Leave top 2/3 of bulb exposed. Don't let bulb touch pot edge or other bulbs.

4. Firm soil, water sparingly until sprout appears, then keep moist. Place in sunny window at 70–75°F.

Year-Round Care for Rebloom

After bloom, keep in bright light, water, fertilize occasionally. Summer: move to patio/deck with morning sun, avoid hot afternoon sun. Water and fertilize through summer. Late summer/early fall: leaves brown—stop watering, move to cool, dark, dry place for dormancy. After a few weeks, new stalk emerges, restarting the cycle.

Well-cared amaryllis grow larger yearly, produce daughter bulbs. They like "tight shoes"—don't repot eagerly; they can stay in same pot for years. To share, split a daughter bulb (while dormant) into a new pot.