Amaryllis Planting Outdoors - Learn How To Grow Amaryllis In The Garden

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. Space plants 12-15 inches (30-38 cm.) apart. Water well following planting until they're established.

How do you plant an amaryllis bulb outside?

Growing Amaryllis Outdoors

In frost-free areas, plant the bulb with the neck at, or slightly above, ground level. In areas where some frost may occur, the bulb should be set with 5 or 6" of soil above it, followed by an application of 4 or 5" of fine mulch. Water the area thoroughly after planting.

How do you plant amaryllis bulbs in soil?

Plant the bulb, pointed-end-up, in potting mix. Pack the soil gently around the bulb so approximately one-third of the bulb remains above the soil line. Important: do not use soil from the garden because it will not drain properly. Place the pot in a location that receives bright, indirect light.

What do you do with Amaryllis in the winter?

Dig your bulb up and store it in a cool, dry, dark place (like a basement) for anywhere between 4 and 12 weeks. Amaryllis bulbs in winter go dormant, so it won't need any water or attention. When you want to plant your bulb, place it in a pot not much bigger than the bulb, with its shoulders above the soil.

When should amaryllis bulbs be planted?

Amaryllis Quick Tips: Planting Period: October until the end of April. Flowering Period: Late December until the end of June. Flowering time is 7-10 weeks.

How many years will an amaryllis bulb bloom?

How many years will an amaryllis bulb bloom? With proper care, an amaryllis bulb will grow and bloom for decades. One grower claims his bulb has bloomed every year for 75 years!

Can amaryllis take full sun?

Like most flowering bulbs, amaryllis prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

Do Amaryllis like coffee grounds?

They like slightly acid soil so many add a sprinkling of coffee grounds to the standard potting soil. When repotting, try not to disturb the roots too much. You may experience fewer blooms after repotting until the roots resettle. Mature plants should only be repotted when the plant is pot-bound.

How deep should you plant an amaryllis bulb?

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. Space plants 12-15 inches (30-38 cm.)

Can I plant amaryllis bulbs in pots?

Answer: When planting an amaryllis bulb, select a pot which is approximately 1 to 2 inches wider than the diameter of the bulb. The container may be clay, ceramic or plastic, but should have drainage holes in the bottom. Plant the bulb in good, well-drained potting mix.

Does amaryllis come back every year?

Although amaryllis are typically only sold around the holidays, they can be grown successfully year-round and bloom again as long as they receive proper care.

Can you keep amaryllis for next year?

Some individuals discard their amaryllis after it is done blooming. However, it's possible to save the amaryllis and force it to flower again next year. Proper cultural practices must be followed to successfully grow and reflower amaryllis bulbs. After the flowers fade, cut off the flower stalk with a sharp knife.

Will amaryllis bulbs multiply?

Plant bulbs in drifts in your garden for a big show of color. They should bloom the following year, around Mother's Day. If you live in the Upper or Middle South, you can leave your amaryllis in their pots for years. They will multiply and like being crowded.

Are amaryllis poisonous to dogs?

The Amaryllis contains Lycorine and other noxious substances, which can cause increased salivation, gastrointestinal abnormalities (vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and abdominal pain), lethargy, and tremors in both cats and dogs. The bulb of the plant is reputed to be more toxic than the flowers and stalk.

Is Amaryllis a perennial?

You can grow amaryllis from seed, but it can take up to six years for them to reach maturity and produce flowers. Amaryllis are tender perennials; most are hardy outdoors only in zones 9 to 11. Properly cared for, an amaryllis plant can live for 75 years!

How do you save amaryllis bulbs next year?

To store the bare bulb, carefully lift the bulb out of the soil and brush off the soil. Store the bulb in a paper bag or a box with peat, sawdust or perlite. Allow the pot, or the bulb to remain in that cool place — without watering for at least six weeks, usually 8 to 10 weeks.

How do you care for a potted amaryllis?

Place the plant in a sunny window and water when the soil surface is nearly dry. Fertilize every 2 to 4 weeks with a water-soluble houseplant fertilizer. The amaryllis can be moved outdoors in late May or early June. Harden or acclimate the plant to the outdoors by initially placing it in a shady, protected area.

How do you force an amaryllis bulb to bloom?

You can try to stimulate the bulb by placing it on a warming mat. Then fertilize with a diluted (by half) water soluble food every 2 to 3 weeks. Rotate the pot every few days as growth continues to keep the stalk straight. Depending upon the variety of amaryllis, blooming should take place 6 to 8 weeks after potting.

Why is my amaryllis only growing leaves?

Amaryllis grows leaves but no flowers if you try to get the plant to rebloom too quickly. The bulb needs time to store up nutrients, followed by an essential dormant period. ... During this time your amaryllis has no flowers, just leaves. Only then should you stop watering and let the bulb dry out.

How much water does a amaryllis bulb need?

Always use tepid to room- temperature water when watering your Amaryllis. The single Amaryllis will need about 8 ounces (1 cup) of water to stimulate growth, and the containers that have 3 bulbs will need 10 to 12 ounces of water. Containers with four to five bulbs will need 12 to 16 ounces (2 cups).

Where should I place amaryllis in my house?

Amaryllis are content being at room temperature, but still like to be in a lighted location. Keep the amaryllis in a warm, bright spot with lots of direct sunlight.

What is the best fertilizer for amaryllis?

Plant bulbs a foot apart in well-draining soil. Snip any dead leaves to encourage new growth, keep the bulb moist, and feed the amaryllis bulb a fertilizer that is lower in nitrogen, like 0-10-10 or 5-10-10, sometimes called a “blossom booster” fertilizer.