How to Grow Amaryllis

Bulb size: 28–32 cm

Starting Growth

Nursery-potted: thorough watering. Shipped with mix: pot yourself. Or grow in pebbles/water. Watch videos: "How to Pot and Care for Amaryllis" and "Growing Amaryllis in Glass."

Outdoor Growing (Zones 8–10)

Full sun (6–8 hrs), well-drained soil. Frost-free: neck at/above ground. Light frost: 5–6" soil over bulb + 4–5" fine mulch. Water thoroughly after planting. Once growing: water only if rain infrequent + top 2" dry. After leaves appear: balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) monthly through April. June–Sept: keep dry. Yellow leaves? Cut at base.

Indoor Forcing

Potting Bulbs (Shipped in Bags)

Individual 6–7" pots or 3 bulbs in 10–12" container. Moisten well-drained mix in tub (warm water, hand-stir). Half-fill pot, set bulb, fill around, top third exposed. Mix ½" below rim. Firm, water lightly.

Cocopeat disks: Rehydrate per package. Same process—top third exposed. Level may sit lower in pot; that's fine.

Pre-Potted Bulbs

Thorough watering with lukewarm water. Remove rubber band from decorative Spanish moss; arrange attractively.

Pre-Bloom Care

Above 60°F (70–80°F ideal). Bottom heat (propagation mat, fridge top) speeds sprouting. Water only when top inch dry—overwatering rots bulbs. (Lift moss to water mix directly.)

Sprouting: 2–8 weeks (some varieties slower). If firm, be patient. Ample sun (south window/sunroom) once sprouted. Rotate frequently to prevent leaning. Stakes may be needed—see our Amaryllis stakes.

Rebuilding for Next Year

After last bloom: cut stalk 3–5" above bulb. DO NOT CUT LEAVES—they feed the bulb. Sunny window, water when top inch dry, monthly balanced water-soluble fertilizer. After frost danger: move outdoors full sun or plant in ground. Fall (often after frost blackens leaves): bring in, cut foliage at bulb, store dry, cool (55°F), dark (basement) 8–10 weeks. Then repot, water, keep nearly dry until growth emerges, resume pre-bloom care.

Amaryllis as Cut Flowers

Cut when first bud colored, ready to open—ensures all buds formed. Straight cut for even vase rest. Hollow stems may split/curl—doesn't affect blooms. Floral preservative + regular water changes prevent rolling, extend life. Remove faded flowers. At 60–70°F, lasts up to 10 days.

Growing in Stones & Water

2–4" river stones/pebbles in clear vase. Trim brown/dried roots; keep white/fleshy. Bulb roots-down on stones, more stones around, top third exposed. Water to 1" below bulb base—never touching or it rots.

Sunny windowsill, >60°F (70–80°F ideal). Check water daily—maintain level below base. Sprout in 2–8 weeks. Rotate frequently. After bloom: discard (water-grown may not repeat). To continue: follow potting and rebuilding instructions.

Trim dried roots—they decompose in water. Aquarium charcoal in stones prevents odors.