Amaryllis or Hippeastrum are bulbous plants native to South America that produce trumpet-shaped flowers. Flowers occur in red, pink, white or apricot tones and are borne at the top of a tall flower stalk. Often grown in pots indoors during winter months, they can also be planted outdoors in warmer regions. Amaryllis are easy to grow and care for, and can flower for many years if properly maintained. Discover in this tutorial how to plant and care for Amaryllis in pots or outdoors to enjoy their magnificent flowers all year round!
For full information on Amaryllis and how to grow them, consult our complete fact sheet: "Amaryllis: cultivation, planting, care".
→ Also check out our audio podcast on the subject:
Where to plant Amaryllis?
Amaryllis are bulbous plants typically grown in pots because they are tender. However, in regions with mild climate, it is possible to plant them outdoors. There are even relatively hardy varieties: notably Amaryllis belladonna and Amaryllis sonatini, capable of withstanding temperatures around -8 to -10 °C!
Amaryllis need a sunny position to flower well. If planting in a pot, place near a south- or west-facing window to provide maximum light. If planting outdoors, choose a sunny spot in the garden. Amaryllis can tolerate some shade, but will produce fewer flowers.
When to plant Amaryllis?
We recommend planting amaryllis in spring (April–May), after last frosts. In mild climates, planting in autumn is also possible. Amaryllis bulbs can also be forced to flower for Christmas by potting them indoors in October or November.
How to plant in pots?
Equipment needed
- Pot with drainage holes
- Rich, free-draining substrate, for example a mix of potting compost, coarse sand and well-rotted compost
- Gravel or clay balls
- Watering can
How to proceed?
- Choose pot with drainage holes to prevent bulb rotting in water.
- Place layer of clay balls in bottom of pot.
- Fill pot two-thirds full with a mix of potting compost, sand and compost.
- Place the Amaryllis bulb on compost, ensuring the bulb point faces upwards.
- Add compost around bulb until it is covered two-thirds of the way.
- Firm compost lightly around bulb.
- Water generously.
- Place pot in a sunny, warm spot, at a temperature between 20 and 25°C.
See also our video tips: "How to plant an Amaryllis bulb?"
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How to plant Amaryllis outdoors?
Equipment needed
- Spade or fork to loosen soil
- Well-rotted compost
- Coarse sand (for drainage)
- Hand trowel
- Bulb planter (facultative)
- Watering can
How to proceed?
- After choosing ideal spot for Amaryllis, loosen soil with spade and mix in compost and a little coarse sand (to improve drainage).
- Dig hole 20 to 30 cm deep.
- Place the Amaryllis bulb in hole, point upwards. If living in a mild region or growing a hardy variety, ensure bulb is level with soil surface, planted two-thirds deep. Otherwise, bury it about 20 cm deep to protect it from cold.
- If planting several bulbs, space them 25 to 30 cm apart.
- Firm soil lightly around bulb.
- Finish by watering.
How to care for them?
Amaryllis need regular watering to flower well. Water once a week in summer and every two weeks in winter. However, let soil dry between waterings to avoid bulb rotting.
Feel free to feed with fertiliser for flowering plants to promote their growth and flowering. Add fertiliser once a month during growth, from March through summer.
After flowering, cut flower stems to about 5 cm above the bulb, but leave leaves so bulb can rebuild its reserves. Cut foliage once it has died back and let bulb rest for two to three months in a cool, dry place.
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