What Your Amaryllis Needs Right Now for Huge, Long-Lasting Blooms in Perfect Time for Christmas
It's almost time for these holiday blooms to burst open
Amaryllis is one of the most beloved holiday blooms. With iconic red and white flowerheads atop tall stems, it's just as rewarding to watch them grow as it is to see the blooms open up.
But to grow amaryllis for blooms by Christmas, there are a few crucial things that need to happen in November. If you haven't already planted your bulb, there is still time to do it this month – you may get blooms by Christmas or just after, so make sure to pick up an amaryllis bulb from Burpee. Either way, November care is all about providing the optimal growing conditions to encourage strong growth that supports blooming.
Here, with the help of a plant expert, I talk through what to do with amaryllis in November to guarantee beautiful vibrant blooms in December.
Plant Bulbs Now
Amaryllis tends to bloom 6-10 weeks after being planted, so the ideal time to plant bulbs for guaranteed Christmas blooms is a little earlier, in late-October. However, planting in November shouldn't be written off, as it will still provide you with flowers around the holiday season or shortly after.
'To wake-up your amaryllis bulb in mid-November, start by planting into a container that is only slightly larger than the bulb itself (about 1-2 inches wider),' says Sydni D'Amico, plant expert from Trees.com.
'You should make sure to leave the top third of the bulb exposed, and take care to use a well-draining potting mix,' they continue.
There are a few general rules when it comes to forcing bulbs indoors to ensure success. This includes keeping the bulb in a sunny windowsill and maintaining a warm room temperature between 65-75°F.
'Before the bulb develops foliage or stalks, be mindful to keep the soil slightly moist, but not overly saturated or soggy,' Sydni adds.
A grow light (like this from Amazon) and soil moisture meter (from Walmart) are useful for maintaining ideal conditions. Alternatively, you can also force bulbs in water using bulb vases, like this amaryllis bulb vase from Amazon.
Water Carefully
Once your amaryllis is actively growing, you can water it more regularly to ensure it stays hydrated and continues to put on strong and healthy growth.
'Once foliage and stalks develop, you can water more frequently, when the top 1 -2 inches of soil dries down,' says Sydni.
This is where a soil moisture meter (also available at Walmart) is particularly useful. It gives you an instant reading of soil moisture, so you know if it's time to top up. It essentially helps you avoid overwatering, which could rot your amaryllis bulb and roots.
Many people prefer to use the bottom watering method for amaryllis, where you let it sit in a shallow saucer of water for 10-15 minutes to soak up water directly at the roots. This avoids pouring water directly over the neck of the bulb, potentially trapping moisture and causing rot or fungal issues.
As for bulbs growing in water, don't forget to refresh the reservoir regularly to keep it clean and topped up.
Avoid Direct Sun
While a sunny spot is ideal for when you're first waking up your dormant amaryllis bulb, once it starts growing and is close to blooming, direct sun should be avoided.
This will prevent leaf scorch and help the flowers to last longer, as well as maintain its vibrant colors.
You can use houseplant rotation (i.e. turning the pot by a quarter regularly) to encourage your tall amaryllis stems to stand up and not flop over.
Move to a Cooler Spot
Initially, it's key to keep your amaryllis bulbs in a warm spot (68-75°F) to encourage sprouting and stem growth.
This is especially true because the common holiday amaryllis (Hippeastrum) is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America, where it thrives in warmer conditions.
However, once it blooms, relocate it to a cooler spot (59-65°F) to prolong the bloom display. This will slow down the plant's metabolism and flower aging.
A room thermometer from Walmart can help monitor this and find the perfect place to display your blooming amaryllis.
What to Shop
Don't wait until your amaryllis blooms emerge, you can make the most of its sculptural shape while it's still growing. Check out our guide to beautiful ways to display amaryllis bulbs before they flower for more inspiration.
And once your amaryllis has finished blooming, find out how to store amaryllis bulbs safely for planting again next year.
If you love inspiring garden ideas, outdoor advice, and the latest news, why not sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox?
