Growing Amaryllis Bulbs for the Holidays

Starting in early fall, amaryllis bulbs begin appearing on the shelves of the local garden center. With their large, exotic white, orange, red, pink and striped blossoms, amaryllis bulbs look like enticing flowers to grow. Most gardeners can grow them indoors in a sunny windowsill with minimal care. If started early, amaryllis bulbs blossom in time for the holidays, providing a great floral centerpiece for the Christmas or New Year’s table. Here’s how to grow and care for amaryllis flowers.

Purchasing Amaryllis Bulbs

Amaryllis bulbs grown indoors are forced, meaning that the gardener provides conditions suitable to force the bulb to break its dormancy and flower out of its normal season. Amaryllis bulbs are sold in garden centers, grocery stores, home and garden super centers, and through online and mail order catalogs. Some are sold loose; purchase the largest bulbs possible. Others are sold already potted. These offer a convenient option, especially for neophyte gardeners unsure of how to start amaryllis.

Starting Amaryllis Bulbs in Soil

Amaryllis bulbs may be started in soil. Plant the bulb in at least a 7 inch pot, preferably 12 inches, in good quality bagged potting soil. Never use soil dug directly from the garden. It may contain microbes or insect eggs that can hatch in the warmth of indoor temperatures. Place a few inches of soil at the bottom of the pot, then place the amaryllis bulb inside the pot so that the pointy tip is peeking up about an inch or two over the rim. Fill in the soil, leaving approximately 1 to 2 inches of the bulb’s tip exposed. Water well, and place a dish underneath the pot to capture any drips.

Amaryllis bulbs need bright, full sunlight. Place the pot in a south-facing window or very bright eastern or western window. If the amaryllis plant appears pale, straggly, or leans towards the window, it may need to be moved to a brighter location or supplemental indoor plant lights may be necessary.

Be sure that the temperature remains above 60 degrees for best germination. Temperatures of 70 to 80 provide the most vigorous and fast growth. Some people like to place the amaryllis bulb pot on top of a refrigerator or near (but not on top of) a radiator to increase the warmth to the pot, which stimulates rapid growth.

Water the amaryllis bulb only when the soil feels dry to the touch. Stick a finger into the soil; if it feels dry and crumbly, water. Avoid over watering as this can rot the bulb.

Growth begins in approximately 2 to 8 weeks. Some types of amaryllis take longer than others to grow, so be sure to read the package directions and follow them for best results.

Once the plant gets growing, the tall, lanky stem has a heavy flower bud on top. It may need support from plant stakes to remain upright.

Growing Amaryllis Flowers in Glass Jars and Water

One of the fun things to do with amaryllis bulbs is to start them in clear glass containers, stones and water. Such amaryllis jars usually have a squat bottom and a tapered top to support the tall, lanky stem. Vases or jars for bulbs are called Hurricane vases or bulb jars and may be purchased online or in garden centers.

Place the amaryllis flower bulb inside the jar, then add stones. Add water to the top third of the jar. Grow the amaryllis flower using the tips for growing it in soil, keeping it warm and adding water whenever the water level in the vase or jar falls too low. Growing amaryllis flower bulbs inside a clear jar adds the beauty of the roots to the overall picture.

Amaryllis as Holiday Plants and Christmas Flowers

By starting amaryllis bulbs now, they can be grown as holiday plants and Christmas flowers. They make good cut flowers too, so grow extra, and place them in a vase as a holiday table decoration or centerpiece. Or simply move the pot to the table. Cover the pot with wrapping paper, foil, or place it inside a basket to hide the plastic pot and enjoy a living centerpiece this holiday season.