We’re lucky enough to have the amaryllis flower, which can bloom throughout winter and bring a pop of color during the dreary season.
And the best thing about them is that they are incredibly easy to grow and they bloom rather quickly after planting their bulbs.
But when exactly should you plant them if you want to enjoy their deep red shades in time for Christmas?
Here are some general guidelines that can help you plant your amaryllis bulbs in time for Christmas and some planting tips to help you out.
Let’s get started!
When To Plant Amaryllis Bulbs Indoors
Amaryllis is on the list of indoor plants that flower year round and if you space their planting times correctly, you can have a single batch blooming from late fall until summer.
Because of this, you can plant them anywhere between October and April and expect their flowers to appear 6-10 weeks after planting, depending on the growing conditions.
And while these bulbs can offer year-long interest, most gardeners plant them for the festive season, so around October and November.
Planting Amaryllis For Christmas Blossoms
You can find amaryllis on the list of flowers to plant now to bloom in time for Christmas. In fact, the best time to plant these bulbs if you want holiday color is in October and November.
Planting them immediately after Halloween (even now) is the best time to do it if you want to enjoy its shades during the Christmas season.
And if you want your homegrown amaryllis blossoms for Valentine’s Day, plant these bulbs around New Year’s.
I’d suggest buying a couple of different amaryllis cultivars to have winter-long color because some varieties flower earlier than others.
You have to remember, though, that lighting, watering, fertilizing, and even the soil conditions affect the growth rate of amaryllis bulbs, as does the cultivar.
It all comes down to their environment whether the flowers will be ready for Christmas or New Year’s Day.
5 Steps Of Planting Amaryllis Bulbs
Planting amaryllis bulbs is only slightly different than planting spring bulbs for instance.
Step 1. We begin by soaking the bottom part in lukewarm water a few hours before planting. This will rehydrate the bulb and help it grow faster.
Step 2. The next step is finding a suitable pot. Go for one 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the bulb you’re planting. And make sure it has drainage holes to prevent overwatering and root rot if you accidentally water your amaryllis too much.
Step 3. Fill the container with a high-quality, well-draining potting medium. A mixture of pumice and organic matter works well. Just don’t use heavy soils because these bulbs need plenty of drainage.
Step 4. When planting bulbs, make sure that the top is above the ground. Only bury the bottom 2/3 of the plant.
Step 5. Water your amaryllis bulbs deeply and thoroughly (until moisture starts to drain through the holes) immediately after planting and place them in a spot with bright indirect light. Keep the soil moist (but never wet), and reduce the watering once the plant starts growing.
Once your amaryllis puts on more growth, you can only water it when the top part of the soil is dry. It is also a good idea to feed it every 2-4 weeks with a houseplant fertilizer and afterwards switch to a plant food richer in phosphorus to promote blooming.
Storing And Replanting Amaryllis Bulbs
Don’t throw away your amaryllis plant after it finishes flowering. You can save the bulbs and encourage them to flower the following year.
After the plant has stopped blooming, remove the flowers and, once the stems begin to droop, you can prune them to the top of the bulb.
Keep caring for your amaryllis normally, watering and fertilizing them regularly until its foliage starts turning yellow.
Then, cut the vegetative growth to about 2 inches from the ground, uproot the bulb, clean it from the dirt, and store it in a cool and dark place for at least 6 weeks. The crisper drawer of your refrigerator should work just fine.
Afterwards, you can replant your bulbs in a seed-starting mix in a sunny spot in your garden. Start watering and feeding it again, and you’ll have another pop of color.
P.S. Keep your amaryllis potted as long as possible because they don’t like to be moved around and disturbed too frequently.