How to grow Amaryllis

Hippeastrums do not like wet feet and will easily rot given too much water. It is best to water them sparingly and let them completely dry out before watering again. Potting mix should be sharply draining. Flowering occurs under bright light and warmth (72°F+ – 24ºC). Blooming can be stalled, if desired, by moving the plant to cooler and darker conditions.

Just lay on surface of compost & lightly cover with compost. Germinate best with a little warmth. Look for seeds with a slight bump in them as only these are viable seeds.

Try to aim for a seed spacing of at least 1.62 feet (50.0 cm) and sow at a depth of around 0.2 inches (0.5 cm).

By our calculations*, you should look at sowing Amaryllis about 0 days after your last frost date .

It must be remembered that these bulbs take 4 years to flower from seed. They need to be potted on each year till they reach flowering size after which they can be left in the same pot for several years. It must also be remembered that these bulbs will rot very quickly if left in water logged pots so after watering it is advisable to empty saucers of any excess water. They tolerate dryness much better than excess water. Do not be tempted to put into bigger pots right away but move them up a size each year. They flower better in cramped conditions. The bulb’s shoulders should be 5cm above the compost level. The bulb should NOT be buried otherwise it will rot.

Amaryllis is tender, so ensure you wait until all danger of frost has passed in your area before considering planting outside - as a guideline, the minimum temperature outside should be approximately 15°C / 59°F.

By our calculations*, you should look at planting out Amaryllis about 0 days after your last frost date.

Not applicable to Hippeastrum

These plants can set seed very easily. If you want to save the big seedpods after flowering it is essential to keep the bulb growing in good light conditions. Feeding is helpful to keep the plant’s strength up & to ensure good viability of seed. A seedpod will form like a small green apple with 3 clearly marked bulges. When the pod is ready to harvest the skin will turn brown & will dry out & the pods will split open revealing rows of tightly packed thin black discs with a small bulge, if the seed is viable. The seeds germinate best the soon they are sown. If kept in an airtight container in a cool, dark place they will be viable for some time afterwards.

These estimates for how long Amaryllis takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

Our when to plant Amaryllis estimates are relative to your last frost date.

Hippeastrum

¹ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amaryllis