Things You'll Need:
- copper tape
- bone meal
- egg shells
- bamboo stake
- superphosphate fertilizer
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Step 1
Plant amaryllis bulbs in the fall for spring bloom.
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Step 2
Select a planting site in full sun or under the canopy of a deciduous tree.
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Step 3
Prepare the soil by amending with superphosphate or bone meal. Crushed egg shells can be incorporated into soil to add calcium and improve texture.
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Step 4
Plant bulbs one foot apart in rich, fast draining soil. The tops of the bulb neck should be at the surface of the soil.
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Step 5
Protect resting bulbs from slugs and snails. If planting in raised beds, use copper tape around the border.
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Step 6
Water immediately after planting to settle the soil and to encourage the bulbs to grow. After the initial watering, keep the soil only slightly moist to prevent roots from rotting.
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Step 7
Once the foliage begins to grow, water regularly until winter rains take over.
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Step 8
Use a bamboo stake to support the flower stalk if it appears weak or floppy. Be very careful not to pierce the bulb.
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Step 9
Cut off flowers once they begin to fade. Sometimes a new flower bud will follow.
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Step 10
Continue regular watering after the plants stop blooming. Treat them as an honored guests with regular applications of fertilizer. Strong foliage means strong bulbs for next years flowers.
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Step 11
Cut back on watering in late summer. When the foliage dries completely, withhold water and allow plants to dry out while the bulbs "rest."
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Step 12
Dig and store amaryllis bulbs if you plan on planting other flowers in the same area. Watering the soil will cause the dormant bulbs to rot.
