How to Plant Amaryllis Belladonna Bulbs

Planting amaryllis belladonna bulbs a great way to add summer interest to your flower garden. Strap like leaves appear in the spring, then die back in summer. By late summer stems that are 18 to 24 inches tall appear bearing a cluster of fragrant flowers in an array of colors. Before deciding on which amaryllis belladonna cultivars to purchase, make sure they are hardy in your USDA hardiness zone.

Things You'll Need

• Amaryllis belladonna bulbs
• Shovel
• Soil amendments and fertilizers

Instructions

1. Remove each amaryllis belladonna bulb from the package immediately. Separate each bulb, count the number of bulbs, then set them aside in a shaded area where they will not be disturbed while you prepare the planting holes.

2. Turn the soil in the area where you plan to add the amaryllis belladonna bulbs and add any needed soil amendments. Once the soil is ready, dig holes that are 5 inches deep to the neck of the bulb with a bulb digger or small gardening hand tool. Add bulb fertilizer to the bottom of the hole and mix it into the dirt so it's not touching the amaryllis belladonna bulb.

3. Plant the amaryllis belladonna bulbs in the pre-dug holes, roots down, growing tip or bulb neck up. Carefully cover them to the base of the bulb with dirt so you don't break off the growing tip.

4. Place labels above the bulbs so you don't forget where you planted them, and water well. Water weekly during the spring, summer and fall if there is less than 1 inch of rain.