Because amaryllis are tender bulbs and not cold hardy, they’re often grown as a houseplant and forced into bloom during the winter months.
The first step to successfully growing amaryllis flowers is to start with large, healthy bulbs. K. van Bourgondien carries a wide selection of amaryllis bulbs, including varieties that you won’t find at most retail stores. Because popular varieties tend to sell out quickly, we recommend ordering amaryllis bulbs in early to mid-fall.
Next, select a proper container for planting. While the pot may be made of clay, plastic or ceramic, it must have drainage holes at the bottom. Like other flower bulbs, amaryllis bulbs must have good drainage. The pot should be about 2 inches wider than the diameter of the amaryllis bulb. Because amaryllis flowers can be quite heavy, we recommend using a sturdy, heavy pot that is less likely to tip over.
Pour a few inches of quality potting soil into the bottom of the pot and then place the bulb, roots side down, into the center of the pot. Add potting soil around the bulb and tamp it down. When finished, about one-third to one-half of the bulb should be above the soil surface.
Water the soil thoroughly after planting. It should feel wet.
How to Grow Amaryllis Flowers
In the first few days after planting, water your amaryllis bulb only if the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. As stems start to grow, water more frequently. If it seems like your bulb is taking a long time to sprout, don’t worry—just be patient. Once it does sprout, you can expect the stems to grow 1″ each day until they reach their mature height.
Once green growth appears at the top of the bulb (it may take several weeks), move the bulb to a sunny window.
When the flower stalk appears, turn the pot or container, one-quarter turn every day. This will keep the stalk growing upwards instead of leaning into the window. Because the stalks can grow quite tall and the blooms can be quite heavy, we recommend staking the flower stalks.
When the amaryllis flowers bloom, you can leave them on the plant or cut them for a cut-flower display. The flowers will often last up to two weeks as cut flowers.
Once the blooms fade, cut or dead head the flowers with a sharp knife about two inches above the amaryllis bulb.
Caring for Your Amaryllis after Blooms Fade in Winter
When the blooms have faded, it’s time to give your amaryllis a rest.
Keeping the leaves intact, cut the stalks back within 1–2″ of the bulb. Move your amaryllis to a cool, dry, dark place like a garage or basement, making sure the spot offers a temperature range of 40–50°F. Once the leaves have turned brown, you may cut them.
In late spring, after the danger of frost has passed, gradually move your amaryllis outdoors to a semi-shaded location and start watering it so that the amaryllis bulb will bloom again. You can also move your amaryllis indoors and grow it as a houseplant in the spring. In late summer, stop all watering and fertilizing and allow the foliage to die down. When fall arrives, cut off the dried leaves and store your amaryllis in a cool, dark area for 6–8 weeks. When the resting period ends, place your amaryllis back in a warm area with indirect sunlight and resume watering as new growth begins to emerge. Viola! You’re on your way to another holiday season of exquisite beauty.
When Will Amaryllis Flowers Bloom?
Amaryllis usually bloom about 6-8 weeks after planting. Keep in mind that some varieties may bloom sooner than others. Check the label on the variety you choose. As a general rule of thumb, if you want blooms for a certain holiday, plant them about 6-8 weeks before it. If you want amaryllis flowers from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, we recommend planting at two-week intervals. Here are some guidelines for planting times:
| Desired Bloom Time | Planting Dates |
| Thanksgiving | Oct. 1-Oct. 14 |
| Mid-December | Oct. 20-Nov. 3 |
| Christmas | Nov. 1-Nov. 13 |
| Mid-January | Nov. 20-Dec. 4 |
| Early February | Dec. 15-Dec. 28 |
Timing Your Amaryllis Flowers for Christmas
Amaryllis flowers make great Christmas gifts—and they also make wonderful displays at Christmas time. If you want amaryllis bulbs to bloom at Christmas, plant your amaryllis bulbs between late October and mid-November. Because the time between planting amaryllis bulbs and the amaryllis flowers blooming can vary from 6-8 weeks, many gardeners plant amaryllis bulbs at two-week intervals starting in late October. That way, they can enjoy amaryllis flowers through several weeks of the Christmas season and be certain to have amaryllis flowers at Christmas.
Amaryllis Flower FAQs
Here are a few more frequently asked questions about amaryllis bulbs and amaryllis flowers.
How Do You Take Care of An Amaryllis After It Blooms In Winter?
After deadheading the flowers, leave the foliage because the green, straplike leaves produce food for next year’s blooms. Move your amaryllis to a cool, dry, dark place like a garage or basement. Make sure the spot you pick offers a temperature range of 40–50°F. Once the leaves have turned brown, you may cut them.
After all danger of spring frost has passed, you can move your amaryllis plant outdoors. Acclimate it gradually to the wind and sun over a week-long time period. Then, you can plant it in the garden. Choose a place where it will receive 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. During the summer months, fertilize it again with an all-natural plant food.
Because amaryllis plants are not cold hardy, bring the plant indoors a few weeks before the first frost in your area.
Do You Cut the Leaves Off an Amaryllis Flower Plant?
Do not cut the leaves off an amaryllis flower plant. The leaves create the food needed for next year’s flowers.
How Do You Store Amaryllis for Next Year?
If you want your amaryllis to bloom again, it must go dormant and be exposed to cool temperatures and semi-darkness. Stop watering your amaryllis and place it in a cool, semi-dark place like a garage or basement. When the leaves turn brown, cut them off. Place the bulb in a dark place where temperatures are 50-55 degrees F. for at least 8-10 weeks. Then, repot the bulb.
Can An Amaryllis Bulb Be Reused?
Most amaryllis bulbs can be reused. If you follow the care instructions in this blog, you can enjoy amaryllis bulbs year after year. The exception to this is a waxed amaryllis bulb. Waxed amaryllis bulbs are encased in wax and hold their own energy and water. The process can damage the root, making them unsuitable for reuse.