How to Plant Amaryllis Outdoors

Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) is a flowering bulb often given as a gift during the winter holidays. It usually arrives potted and ready to bloom. After the bloom period most folks throw them away, but you can plant the bulb outdoors and get years of colorful blooms every spring or early summer. Although amaryllis grow with little care in zones 8-10, they will need extra attention in northern climates as the bulbs should not freeze.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dormant amaryllis bulbs
• Digging tool
• Compost
• Mulch

How to Plant Amaryllis Outdoors

1. 
    
   Expect blooms in spring and early summer.

   Locate a well-drained area in the garden that gets at least six hours of sun each day. If planting in heavy clay, raise the bed and amend soil with compost or other organic matter to increase drainage. Amaryllis bulbs cannot sit in wet soil or they will quickly rot.

2. If planting in zones 8-10, plant bulbs deep enough so the "shoulders" of the bulbs are slightly covered with soil. In northern zones leave 1-inch of bulb exposed. Add a thin layer of compost and mulch around bulbs to stabilize soil.

3. In northern areas where the ground freezes, dig bulbs out of ground before they freeze and overwinter in a warm dry place. Around 70 degrees is ideal. Leave any green leaves on plant to dry. Cutting off green leaves will inhibit the plant's ability to bloom the next season. In southern areas, allow plant to dry in the ground in August and September. Amaryllis bulbs must go through a dry period in order to bloom the next season.

4. In northern areas, replant bulbs as soon as ground can be worked in spring.

5. Apply sufficient water so soil around bulbs remains slightly damp, but not wet, during the growing season.

Tips & Warnings

• Amaryllis will grow in poor garden soil, however, good drainage is important. Amaryllis bulbs rot when sitting in excess moisture during the dormant period. Never cut the green leaves from the bulbs. Always allow to dry naturally. Although amaryllis bloom in winter after arrival during the holidays, you should expect blooms on bulbs planted outdoors in spring and early summer. To force dormancy after bloom period indoors, cut off spent flower stalks, remove bulb from pot, and place in a warm dry place to allow greenery to naturally dry.
• Amaryllis bulbs are poisonous to dogs, cats, and humans if eaten.

References

• growing amaryllis
• buy amaryllis bulbs
• forcing amaryllis to bloom