Planting Amaryllis Bulbs

Most varieties will begin blooming six to eight weeks after planting.

Planting amaryllis bulbs.

Amaryllis one of a kind of all flowering bulbs amaryllis ar. Late december until the end of june. Or cluster several bulbs close together in a larger container you want a tight fit. A support stake is handy for keeping the blooms upright but little else is required.

Start with a pot a little larger than the width of your bulb. Space plants 12 15 inches 30 38 cm apart. In general it takes five to eight weeks for amaryllis to bloom but this timing depends on many factors including the type of amaryllis air temperature and how long the bulb has been dormant among others. If you are planting your amaryllis outside be careful to avoid planting in a clay based soil as this drains more slowly than sand based soil.

Avoid damaging the roots when you plant your amaryllis. Soak each bulb in lukewarm water for a half hour before planting. Always store un planted bulbs in a cool place between 40 50 deg. Amaryllis bulbs can be planted directly in the ground in areas where temperatures do not go below 10 f zones 8 10 or in zone 7 for cold tolerant species that we sell for spring planting.

If you re looking for a winter blooming houseplant to add a bright splash of tropical colour to your home amaryllis is an excellent choice. How to grow amaryllis bulbs. Planting amaryllis outdoors is much the same as in containers neck deep keeping the top 1 3 of the bulb sticking up above soil level. If the roots sit in water for too long they will get waterlogged and may begin to rot.

You should plant the bulb so the stringy roots are in the soil. All parts of amaryllis are toxic to cats so it s best to grow them in areas they can t reach. The area in which you plant amaryllis bulbs must drain very well. Some can take as long as ten weeks.

Flowering time is 7 10 weeks. Larger bulbs produce more flowers. Pot up amaryllis bulbs from october to february and the huge trumpet blooms will put on a magnificent show around eight weeks after planting. Once you have the ideal place in mind for planting determine the soil s ph which will help you in determining if your soil is sand silt clay or loam.

October until the end of april. Amaryllis can be planted from september through april in warm weather climates although most people prefer to have theirs in the ground by late october. Use a porous sterile potting mix that s rich in organic matter. Few bulbs are easier to grow than amaryllis and few bloom with greater exuberance and beauty.

Renowned for their tall stems and big bold flowers some think of amaryllis as festive flowers but you can enjoy them any time from christmas through to the spring.