How to Grow Amaryllis for Christmas Blooms – Plant Bulbs Now!
It's not even Thanksgiving yet, and my kids, and oddly enough, my husband are begging to decorate for Christmas. They want to put up their trees and the blow-ups in the yard (something I swore I'd never have...the things we do for our kids), but for me nothing says the holiday season like the vibrant display of amaryllis flowers gracing my home. Here is a picture of my large amaryllis tablescape last year. Known for their large trumpet flowers, these showstoppers are the perfect way to brighten the winter months with their beautiful blooms. If you want dazzling Christmas blooms, now is the time to plant amaryllis bulbs! In fact, we are pushing it to get Christmas blooms. But have no fear, I have plenty of bulbs already growing.
Additionally, you can look for bulbs from the Southern Hemisphere (these are actually Hippeastrum and not true amaryllis). Southern Hemisphere bulbs are raring to go because it is about to be summer where they are native making your warm, cozy home the perfect indicator to wake up and bloom during their natural growing cycle. Southern Hemisphere bulbs generally bloom in about 4-6 weeks as opposed to Northern Hemisphere bulbs that can take anywhere from 8-12 weeks.
All of the bare bulbs in my shop are Southern Hemisphere bulbs, meaning you’re set up for success. With proper care, these amaryllis plants will reward you with gorgeous flowers just in time for the festivities.
Why Amaryllis?
Amaryllis varieties are beloved for their versatility and stunning individual flowers that last for weeks. Originally hailing from South America, these tender bulbs are easy to grow indoors and make fabulous cut flowers. Don't be afraid to grow them in an ugly, nursery pot and then cut them and put them in your favorite vase. In fact, cut amaryllis flowers last longer than those that stay on the bulb. They have a long life either way, but cut amaryllis don't need to worry about continuing their life cycle and making seeds which is why they last longer. Amaryllis stems are hallow. It can be fun to fill the stems with water and hang them upside down for unconventional holiday decor.
How to Plant Amaryllis Bulbs
Supplies Needed:
Large bulb or bigger blooms varieties (available in my shop!)
A 5-6” pot (tight fitting is better as they like to be root-bound)
Lightweight soil mix with good aeration (I use Fox Farm CocoLoco Potting Soil because it is peat moss free)
A warm dark place to encourage early new growth
Step-by-Step Instructions
Choose Your Pot:
Select a pot with a diameter that’s 1-2 inches larger than the widest part of the bulb.
Prepare the Soil:
Use a well-draining soil mix. You can enhance drainage by adding perlite or sand if you believe your potting mix is too heavy.
Plant the Bulb:
Place the bare bulb in the pot with the top of the bulb above the soil surface.
Cover the base of the bulb with an inch or two of soil, leaving the diameter of the bulb exposed. Avoid covering the bulb with soil as this makes the bulb more susceptible to rotting.
Cool Rest Period:
For bulbs not pre-started, a cool period of 6-8 weeks in a dark place is essential to mimic their natural dormancy period. You only need to do this if you’re trying to get a bulb from last year to bloom. All of the bulbs available in my shop have had their dark period.
Water Sparingly:
Keep the soil moist but not soggy. I stick my finger in the soil once per week. If it is dry, I water it. If I detect moisture, I will wait another week to water.
Encouraging Growth
Place your potted bulb in indirect light until you see new growth.
Once flower stalks or flower spikes emerge, move the plant to a bright spot with direct sunlight to support healthy growth
Finally, once the plant blooms, move it back to indirect light. This will prolong the life of the bloom.
Bloom Time
Most amaryllis blooms appear 6-8 weeks after planting. Starting bulbs in early November ensures winter blooms by Christmas. Watch for flower buds to appear, followed by spectacular large flowers. Amaryllis blooms are the highlight of the holiday season, but the real joy begins long before the flowers open. I like to say that amaryllis are the gift that keeps on growing! Each day brings visible progress as these gorgeous flowers shoot up their tall, elegant stalks. It's like a daily surprise, watching them grow by leaps and bounds—making them as entertaining as they are beautiful.
Pro Tip: Should your amaryllis start to lean, give the pot a quarter turn daily and it should straighten itself back up.
Caring for Amaryllis After Blooming
With proper care, your potted bulb can produce blooms for the following year and beyond.
Here's how to keep your amaryllis plants healthy for the following year after the holiday season:
Cut Back: After flowering, trim the spent flower stalk, but leave the foliage intact.
Continue Care: Place the plant in a sunny spot and water when the soil surface feels dry. Basically grow it like a house plant. I personally love the look of the long, thick leathery leaves.
Summer Rest Period: In early summer, reduce watering to allow the bulb to enter a rest period. Stop watering completely by late summer to give the bulb its dormant period.
Replant: In early fall, restart the cycle for another round of gorgeous flowers.
Pro Tips for Bigger Blooms
Bigger bulbs = Bigger blooms! Choose a large bulb for the most impressive large trumpet flowers. Our bulbs are some of the largest available.
Ensure consistent care during the first year to encourage repeat blooms.
Avoid waxed bulbs if you’re planning to grow the plant for the next year.
Shop Pre-Started Amaryllis Bulbs
Get a head start on your Christmas blooms by shopping pre-started bulbs in my shop. These bulbs are set to deliver beautiful blooms with minimal effort—perfect for the busy holiday season!
With their dazzling amaryllis flowers, these indoor bulbs make the perfect addition to your winter months décor. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or planting for the first year, you’ll love the joy they bring. 🌺
Have you tried growing amaryllis plants before? Share your tips and tricks in the comments, and don’t forget to check out my shop for the finest amaryllis varieties!
Keep Blooming!
– Nicole Dillon
Breemar Flower Farm | Ashland, VA | Zone 7b
