Amaryllis blooms are as big as they are beautiful.
December 10, 2024 - When I was in the fourth grade, I read a small paperback book about George Washington Carver. His passion for plants and his groundbreaking work in agriculture inspired me to pursue my own career in horticulture. One of the things that stuck with me was his love of amaryllis. After learning about them, I begged my mom to get me one each Christmas, and I’ve been hooked on them ever since.
Winter might bring gray skies and chilly weather, but you too can bring a burst of vibrant color into your home with amaryllis (Hippeastrum). These bold beauties, known for their large, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of red, pink, white, and more, are a popular choice for indoor winter blooms. With a little care, they’re easy to grow and can brighten your home throughout the cold months.
When selecting amaryllis bulbs, remember that bigger is better. Larger bulbs produce more flowers, so look for firm, healthy bulbs without soft spots or mold. You can find them at garden centers or order online from bulb suppliers. Some bulbs come pre-packaged with pots and growing medium, while others are sold individually.
Amaryllis bulbs grow best in well-drained pots that are just slightly larger than the bulb itself. I recommend using heavy clay pots to prevent tipping over as the flowers bloom. Choose a pot with drainage holes to avoid soggy soil, which can lead to rot. Use a high-quality potting mix and plant the bulb so that the top quarter remains above the soil line, allowing the bulb to breathe and reducing the risk of rot.
After planting, water the soil thoroughly to settle it around the bulb. Place the pot in a warm, bright location, such as a sunny windowsill. Amaryllis bulbs thrive in temperatures between 65–75°F, so avoid drafty windows or heat vents.
Water your amaryllis sparingly until new growth appears, usually within 2–4 weeks. Once you see green shoots, water regularly but keep the soil slightly moist, not waterlogged. Rotate the pot every few days to encourage even growth and prevent the flower stalk from leaning toward the light.
Amaryllis typically bloom 6–8 weeks after planting. Each bulb produces one or more flower stalks, and each stalk can bear 2–4 flowers, providing an extended display of color during winter.
When your amaryllis finishes blooming, don’t toss the bulb. While reblooming them indoors each year can be challenging, you can plant them in your flower bed or border. In East Texas, amaryllis often adapt well to outdoor conditions, where they multiply and bloom reliably each spring for many years.
Amaryllis bulbs are a simple yet stunning way to bring color and life to your home during the winter months. Whether you’re enjoying their bright blooms yourself or giving them as gifts, these plants are sure to brighten the holiday season and provide lasting memories.
Greg Grant is the Smith County horticulturist and Master Gardener coordinator for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. He is the author of Texas Fruit and Vegetable Gardening, Texas Home Landscaping, Heirloom Gardening in the South, and The Rose Rustlers. You can read his “Greg’s Ramblings” blog at arborgate.com, read his “In Greg’s Garden” in each issue of Texas Gardener magazine (texasgardener.com), or follow him on Facebook at “Greg Grant Gardens.” More science-based lawn and gardening information from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service can be found at aggieturf.tamu.edu and aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu.
