How to Plant Amaryllis Bulbs

A Complete Indoor Planting Guide

Amaryllis are dramatic, large-flowering bulbs prized for their bold blooms during fall and winter. Because they are frost-tender, amaryllis are grown indoors in Canada, making them a perfect choice for brightening your home during the colder months.

This guide explains how to plant, grow, and rebloom amaryllis bulbs successfully indoors.

What Is an Amaryllis Bulb

Most amaryllis sold for indoor growing are Hippeastrum hybrids. They produce tall flower stalks topped with large trumpet-shaped blooms in shades of red, white, pink, and striped varieties.

Amaryllis bulbs are:

1. Not winter hardy outdoors in Canada
   
2. Best grown indoors as houseplants
   
3. Ideal for holiday and winter displays
   

When to Plant Amaryllis Bulbs

Plant amaryllis bulbs from October through December for winter flowering.

1. Bulbs typically bloom 6 to 10 weeks after planting
   
2. Earlier planting leads to earlier blooms
   
3. Indoor planting allows precise bloom timing
   

Choosing the Right Pot

Select a pot that is:

1. Sturdy and heavy to prevent tipping
   
2. Only slightly wider than the bulb
   
3. Equipped with a drainage hole
   

The ideal pot should allow about 3 cm of space between the bulb and the pot edge. Always place the pot on a saucer to catch excess water.

How to Plant Amaryllis Bulbs

1. Add potting soil to the base of the pot
   
2. Position the bulb with the roots down
   
3. Keep the top third of the bulb, including the neck, above the soil line
   
4. Fill with soil around the sides and firm gently
   

Do not fully bury the bulb. Proper planting depth helps prevent rot.

Watering Amaryllis After Planting

1. Water thoroughly immediately after planting
   
2. Allow excess water to drain completely
   
3. Afterward, water only when the top layer of soil feels dry
   

Avoid overwatering. Amaryllis bulbs prefer evenly moist soil, not soggy conditions.

Light and Temperature Requirements

Place your amaryllis in a bright, sunny indoor location, such as a south or west-facing window.

Ideal conditions:

• Temperature between 18 and 22°C
  
• Bright indirect or direct sunlight
  
• Rotate the pot occasionally to encourage straight growth
  

Amaryllis Bloom Time

With proper care, flower stalks emerge first, followed by leaves. Blooms typically appear within 6 to 10 weeks and can last several weeks.

Each bulb may produce:

• One or two flower stalks
  
• Multiple blooms per stalk
  

Amaryllis Care After Flowering

Once flowers fade:

• Remove spent blooms but keep the green leaves
  
• Continue watering and feeding every 2 to 3 weeks
  
• Use a balanced liquid fertilizer
  

The leaves are essential for rebuilding energy inside the bulb.

How to Rebloom Amaryllis Bulbs

To encourage reblooming:

1. Continue care until leaves naturally yellow
   
2. Reduce watering and allow foliage to die back (let the bulb go dormant)
   
3. Store the bulb in a cool, dark place for 8 to 10 weeks
   
4. In fall, repot in fresh soil and resume watering
   

With proper dormancy, amaryllis bulbs can rebloom year after year.

Why Grow Amaryllis Indoors

• Spectacular winter flowers
  
• Long-lasting blooms
  
• Easy indoor care
  
• Perfect for gifts and seasonal décor

Amaryllis bring bold colour and life to indoor spaces when most outdoor gardens are dormant.

Related Planting Guides

• Allium Planting Guide
  
• Crocus Planting Guide
  
• Tulip Bulb Planting Tips