The One Thing Your Amaryllis Bulbs Need in September to Guarantee Christmas Blooms
It's time to trick these bulbs into dormancy
It's never too early to start thinking about Christmas, especially when it comes to the festive blooms that sit atop the dining table. Amaryllis is one of the top choices, with iconic red and white blooms that have become a staple for holiday displays. But it needs a bit of help to flower in time for Christmas – and the preparation starts in September.
In particular, there's one thing to do to your amaryllis in September for Christmas blooms later on: stop watering and force dormancy. This is because, to successfully force bulbs for the holidays, they first need a rest period of several weeks, then wake up and flower. By stopping watering and keeping the bulb in the dark now, you can trick your amaryllis into entering dormancy.
It may sound simple, but doing this can make or break your amaryllis display. At the same time, you want to avoid mistakes that may sabotage results altogether. Here, with the help of a horticulturist, I explain more about this essential September job. And if you're yet to pick up your amaryllis bulb, find one at Walmart.
Stop Watering Your Amaryllis in September
Amaryllis is a reliable perennial and one of the best indoor bulbs to force for Christmas that you can keep using for decades.
During spring and summer, your amaryllis bulb may have grown lots of leafy, vegetative growth. This helps it energize for blooming later on. During this time, it's key to keep its soil consistently watered (when your Amazon soil moisture meter shows the top inch or so has dried out, it's time to top up), and keep the amaryllis in a bright spot.
However, come September, it's time to stop watering and relocate your amaryllis to somewhere cool, dark and dry.
'The amaryllis bulb needs a 'nap' for a few months before blooming again. To do this, place the bulb in a dark, cool place like a closet,' says Gail Pabst, gardening expert and Marketing Director for the National Garden Bureau.
'There is no need to water or provide light,' she adds.
This essentially tricks the bulb into dormancy, simulating the plant's natural dry-season cycle in its native South African habitat, where it rests between foliage growth and flowering.
Your amaryllis should stay in this place for 8-10 weeks. In this time, the leafy growth will turn yellow and die back, which is normal as the bulb prepares for bud development.
'After this period, bring it out, repot your amaryllis, water it, and give it light so it will start to grow and flower again,' Gail says.
This breaks its dormancy and triggers flower stalk growth, ready for festive blooming. In the New Year, the cycle begins again, starting with cutting back amaryllis (these Fiskars micro-tip gardening snips from Amazon will work well).
Gail is a passionate horticulturist with over 25 years' experience in the industry. She is an avid home gardener too and loves to try out the newest varieties and techniques. Gail is the Marketing Director for the National Garden Bureau and her work has helped her to continue their mission of inspiring, teaching and growing in gardening with others.
What to Shop
If you're looking for an easier solution, you can opt for waxed amaryllis bulbs instead (like this waxed amaryllis bulb from Walmart). The wax retains moisture and there's no soil needed, so it's a super low-effort way to get a festive display.
Don't forget to also read up on how to store amaryllis bulbs post-blooming to guarantee a returning display in the following year.
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