How to Grow Amaryllis Bulbs

Amaryllis are one of my favorite holiday houseplants, and they’re incredibly easy to grow. Whether you’re a first-timer or just looking for a quick refresher, here’s how to enjoy their stunning blooms year after year.

Choosing Your Bulbs

First things first—selecting a good bulb. Think of it like picking out produce at the farmer’s market: you want the biggest, healthiest-looking bulb you can find. A larger bulb generally means more flower stalks, which equals more blooms.
Look for bulbs that are firm to the touch and free from any signs of mold or soft spots. Amaryllis bulbs can be bought anywhere you would buy houseplants. I have had good luck finding them at nurseries, big box stores, online retailers, and even some grocery stores. 

Planting Your Amaryllis

Okay, now the fun part - planting. Here’s how you can get your bulbs to bloom just in time for the holidays:

1. Choose the Right Pot: Amaryllis bulbs do best in pots that are just slightly larger than the bulb itself. You want about an inch of space between the bulb and the side of the pot. Just like other houseplants, it is important to select a pot that has drainage holes. 
2. Planting Depth: Fill your pot halfway with well-draining potting mix. Place the bulb in the center, then fill around it with more soil, leaving the top third of the bulb exposed. This is key, otherwise your bulb may be prone to rotting.
3. Watering: Once you plant your amaryllis bulbs, give it a good watering. It is important to avoid getting water in the very top of the bulb. If water gets down into the bulb, they may rot. Once you water your bulb the first time, don’t water it again until you start to see growth. When the plant starts growing, water once the top inch or so of soil has dried out. 
4. Location: Place your newly planted bulb in a bright, warm spot. I find that a sunny windowsill works well. Once you see those flower buds starting to appear, I recommend moving your bulbs to a cooler location. This will help prolong the blooms as long as possible.

Feeding Your Amaryllis

Now, let’s talk plant food. Amaryllis don’t need fertilized while they are blooming. Once the flowers are done, amaryllis are heavy feeders. A routine fertilizing program will help your bulbs store enough energy to bloom again the following year. We recommend using Bleume Liquid Plant Food at every watering once the bulbs have finished blooming. 

What’s Next?

After the holidays, don’t toss your amaryllis! Unlike other holiday flowers (I am looking at you poinsettias), it is quite easy to get amaryllis bulbs to rebloom. Once the flowers fade, cut back the stalks but leave the leaves, as they help recharge the bulb. Continue watering and feeding your plant with Bleume liquid plant food until late summer. In August, place your bulb in a cool dark spot like a closet or a basement for 8 or so weeks. This will force the bulb into dormancy. Once your amaryllis has rested, repot with fresh soil in mid-October. Give it a thorough watering, place it in a bright spot, and soon you’ll see fresh growth emerging. 

There’s something truly magical about growing amaryllis during the winter months. In the darkest, coldest season, these vibrant blooms are a beautiful reminder that there’s always something wonderful waiting to unfold.

If you decide to grow amaryllis this holiday season, I’d love to see your results! Share your photos and tag us @growbleume. Once you start growing amaryllis, I think you will quickly see why they are one of my favorite parts of the holiday season.