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How to plant and grow amaryllis and what do you do with the bulbs after they bloom

amaryllis bulbs light spot best results strong compact growth what to do tips garden bloom
amaryllis bulbs light spot best results strong compact growth what to do tips garden bloom

Getting our amaryllis to reflower can be tricky, and there seems to be lots of conflicting advice out there. But don’t worry – reflowering is generally a lot simpler than you may think.

The first step is removing any spent flower spikes at the base where it emerges from the bulb, leaving the strappy leaves to continue to grow and feed the bulb. As a rule of thumb, the more you feed and water amaryllis the more they grow – sparingly when the bulb first wakes up, and more generously as it grows leaves (and hopefully flowers).

When my amaryllis is in full flower or growth, I make sure the compost doesn’t dry out until the end of September. It should keep going over Christmas and maybe well into next year. When the risk of frost has passed, pop the plant outside in a semi-shaded position where it will avoid the extremes of intense sun and constant drying out. Keep watering and feeding the bulb once a week throughout the summer.

What to do with amaryllis bulbs in autumn

At the end of September, we need to build our bulb up into a position where it can produce a strong flower spike next year. From October, stop watering and feeding, place in a frost-free, coolish space in a conservatory or on a well-lit windowsill to induce a dormant period which will help to trick the bulb into building up for the next flowering period.

Amaryllis bulbs in winter

At the beginning of December, cut off any remaining leaves at the point that they emerge from the bulb, repot into fresh, peat-free compost, only burying the bulb by one third to start the cycle again. Once the bulb is potted into compost and watered in, this will trigger growth, both above and below ground. I have found that placing the bulbs in a well-lit spot gives the best results, ­producing strong, compact growth.

Amaryllis will respond quickly in warm temperatures and if placed in an ambient temperature of 20C, you should see flowers in around eight weeks from planting. The cooler the temperature, the slower that process will be. Staking may be needed for some of the taller cultivars, a single bamboo cane or a metal stake is perfect for supporting amaryllis.

This article is kept updated with the latest information.