The Complete Guide to Amaryllis Care

I am SO EXCITED because my amaryllis just arrived from Gardener’s Supply.

Have you grown an amaryllis before? They are really easy care and produce big, gorgeous blooms indoors in about 6-10 weeks after planting.

If you’ve never grown an amaryllis before, they are really fun to grow.

It is a must try!

Here is what you need to know to grow big, beautiful colorful flowers.

All About Amaryllis

Amaryllis are huge bulbs that produce gorgeous trumpet shaped flowers.

They add lots of bold color indoors and make great gifts for gardeners of any skill.

Depending on the variety, amaryllis blooms can be either single or double flowering.

And the blooms can be pretty big!

I just received some cool amaryllis bulbs from Gardener’s Supply. And I can’t even wait to see these bloom!

Here’s what I’m growing this winter:

• Scarlet Belle Amaryllis – It’s a double flowering luscious Christmas Red Amaryllis that arrives in it’s own beautiful pot.

• Amaryllis Planting Kit – The kit includes everything needed and explains how easy it is to grow.

• Waxed Upside Down Amaryllis – This bulb is encased in a waxed coating and arrives ready to hang upside down. It even comes with it’s own hanger!

• Velvet Easy Care Waxed Amaryllis – A fun waxed bulb encased in wrapped velvet that can be incorporated with holiday decor. When I took this one out of the box, I have to say it was super cool. And the best part? It takes care of itself!

How to Select Amaryllis Bulbs

Because they are so easy to grow and produce big, gorgeous blooms, amaryllis are a must-have this winter.

Here’s what to look for when purchasing bulbs:

• Select the largest bulbs available because larger bulbs typically produce more flowers.
• Avoid bulbs with signs of mold, decay or injury.
• Bulbs should be firm and dry.

Supplies Needed to Grow Amaryllis Indoors

• Amaryllis Bulb
• Container with Drainage Holes (I typically re-use plastic nursery pots)
• Sterile Potting Soil
• Decorative Container

How to Plant Amaryllis Bulbs and Their Care

So you’ve got everything you need to plant. Here’s how to grow these gorgeous colorful flowers:

• Choose a container with drainage holes because good drainage prevents root rot, pest and disease problems. The container’s diameter should be an inch or so wider than the widest part of the bulb and twice as tall as the bulb. And, the container should have a little weight to it to help keep the amaryllis stable while it grows.

• Before planting, fill the container halfway with fresh sterile potting soil that is high in organic matter.
• Plant the amaryllis bulb pointed end up so the roots sit on the potting soil.

• Back fill with soil until about 1/3 of the bulb is visible.
• Tamp down on the potting medium surrounding the bulb.
• Water thoroughly until the soil is moist. Make sure the container drains thoroughly and dump any water sitting in the bottom of the saucer or decorative container.
• Move the planter to a location where it will receive bright indirect light.
• Only water when the top 2 inches of soil is dry and make sure the container fully drains.  Use this test to determine soil dryness.
• Consider adding a stake like these to help the flower stalk remain stable while it grows.

Amaryllis Care After It Flowers

Here are some amaryllis care tips to keep plants happy and healthy after they bloom.

• When the flowers fade, cut off the blooms to prevent it from going to seed. This encourages the bulb to store energy for future blooms next year. If we don’t cut them off, seed formation depletes energy and reduces blooms.
• Cut the flower stalk back when it turns yellow. Do not cut it back while still green because it’s still storing energy for future growth and blooms.
• When it’s done blooming, place in a sunny location so it can continue to grow.
• Water and fertilize the plant regularly with an all-purpose houseplant plant fertilizer.
• After the plant dies back, allow the pot to completely dry out.
• Store in a cool, dark and dry place for at least 8 weeks.
• Repeat planting and care process with fresh soil and place in indirect light about 6-8 weeks before you want it to bloom.

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