Few bulbs are easier to grow than amaryllis – and few bloom with greater profusion and beauty. Just plant the bulbs in good potting soil, water regularly and provide bright, indirect light. A support stake is handy to keep the flowers upright, but little else is required. Most varieties will begin flowering six to eight weeks after planting; some can take as long as ten weeks.

Cybister pot maryllis on tabletop Mystica, Evergreen and Chico pot maryllis.If your amaryllis is not already potted, plant each amaryllis bulb in a 6-8″ pot. Heavy pots are preferred as light pots may topple under the weight of the flowers.

Plant the onion, pointed, in potting mix. Gently pack the soil around the bulb so that about a third of the bulb remains above the soil line.

Important: do not use soil from the garden as it does not drain properly.

Place the pot in a location that receives bright, indirect light. Water sparingly until you see about 2 inches of new growth. From then on, water regularly. As the plant grows, turn the pot periodically to encourage the flower stems to grow straight. Flower buds will appear at the top of each stem, followed by a dramatic floral display. Keep the pot out of direct sunlight to prolong flowering.

SHOP AMARYLLIS LOCOMOTIVES

When will it bloom?This chart will give you an idea of when your amaryllis will bloom relative to the planting date. It usually takes six to eight weeks for amaryllis to bloom, but check the label of the variety you have – some bloom faster and others slower.