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growin' tips...
Amaryllis (Hippeastrum)
GROWING AMARYLLIS: These bulbs are prized for their willingness to produce large and colorful blooms indoors in
the dead of winter. In Zones 9 & 10, they can also be planted outdoors in full sun and well-drained soil, with the the bulbs
placed 1" above the soil. Bulbs planted in the ground generally bloom in late spring or early summer.
POTTING THE BULBS: Plant bulbs in well-drained potting soil. Fill the pot about
half way full, set the bulb on top of the mix and fill in around the bulb with additional mix. Adjust the position
of the bulb as needed, so that the top third of the bulb is exposed. The final level of the mix should be about
1/2" below the rim of the pot to allow for watering. Firm the mix and water lightly to settle it around the
bulbs.
PRE-BLOOM CARE OF AMARYLLIS: Place the pot where the temperature remains above 60°F. The warmer the temperature
(7080°F night and day is ideal), the faster the bulb will sprout and grow. Water only when the top inch of
the potting mix is dry to the touch. Watering more frequently, particularly just after potting, can cause the bulb
to rot. Growth generally begins in 28 weeks. Provide ample sunshine as soon as the bulb sprouts. Rotate the pot
frequently to prevent the flower stalks from leaning toward the light. The flower stalks may require support to
keep from toppling.
GROWING AMARYLLIS IN PEBBLES AND WATER: These large bulbs will grow happily and bloom abundantly in nothing more
than pebbles and water. To "plant" your bulb, begin by carefully placing river pebbles to a depth of
about 4". With scissors, trim off any roots on the bulb that are brown and dried, but let the roots that are
whitish and fleshy remain. Place the Amaryllis bulb, roots down, on top of the stones, then place additional pebbles
around the bulb, leaving the top third of the bulb exposed. Finally, add water until the level reaches just below
the base of the bulb but no higher. If the base of the bulb sits in water, it may rot.
After planting, set the container on a sunny windowsill in a room where the temperature remains above 60°F.
The warmer the temperature, the faster the bulb will sprout and grow. Check the water level daily. Add water as
needed to keep the level below the base of the bulb. A shoot will emerge from the top of the bulb in 28 weeks;
you may (or may not) see thick white roots pushing between the pebbles before then. Rotate the container frequently
to prevent the flower stalks from leaning toward the light. After the last blooms fade, we recommend that you dispose
of the bulb; Amaryllis grown in water may not perform well in subsequent years.
How to Make Amaryllis Re-Bloom
1. After your amaryllis has finished blossoming and the flowers have wilted, cut
them back as far as possible but not the leaves.
2. Continue to water indoors until the weather has warmed to about 65 degrees. Plant outside in a shady part of
your garden. Water and fertilize bi-monthly.
3. Before the first frost, dig up plant, repot and bring indoors. Place in a closet or under the sink and allow
to dry out. Trim off dead growth.
4. In midwinter, pull out your Amaryllis and begin watering regularly.
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