Ashleigh Smith + photo

Ashleigh Smith

Nov 5
3 min read
bubble 0
Christmas Amaryllis Blooms

Amaryllis is the perfect holiday flower to grow indoors throughout the winter season. It can be started around November 10th to bloom for Christmas or December 20th for delicate Valentine's Day blooms. Discover some easy tips to make your amaryllis bloom beautifully, bringing vibrant color and cheer to your winter celebrations!

Why Is Amaryllis Grown for the Holidays?

Amaryllis has historically been grown as a Christmas bloom because of its dazzling and unique shape available in shades of red and white. The star-shaped flowers sit atop a long, upright stem that sometimes resembles a shepherd's staff. This symbolic tie to the Christmas story has resulted in many varieties receiving names related to the holiday as well, further connecting this beautiful flower to the holiday season. In addition to Christmas, amaryllis is also popularly grown for Valentine's Day in shades of red, white, and pink.

Amaryllis centerpiece with Christmas decorations

How to Grow Amaryllis for Christmas and Valentine's Day

Growing amaryllis is easy as they are perfect for indoor container growing. By planting them indoors, you are able to grow them on a set schedule that forces their bloom window to fall within your holiday celebrations. For Christmas blooming, be sure to secure your amaryllis bulbs as soon as possible! They should be planted around November 10th. While they can be planted later, they may bloom closer to New Year’s. We expect to receive our bulbs this week so we can ship them to you as soon as possible. To have them blooming by Valentine’s Day, be sure to plant around December 20th.

Planting Amaryllis Bulbs Indoors

  • 1. Select a container with drainage holes and fill it with fresh potting soil mix. Or, make your own by hydrating coco coir and mixing in some perlite.
  • 2. Bury your bulb with the pointed end facing up and the upper 1/3rd uncovered with the soil gently packed around it.
  • 3. Water well, but with good drainage. The bulbs will use little water until they begin to sprout. Water as needed, with the frequency increasing as the stem develops. Overwatering early on can lead to damping off.
  • 4. Place in a location that receives bright, indirect light. Keep in mind amaryllis prefers warm climates, so avoid placing it in a cold or drafty spot.

Helpful Tips and Tricks for Growing Amaryllis

Longer Blooms - Keep them cozy and warm as they grow. Growing amaryllis in an environment that stays about 70-75°F is ideal. Once they bloom, move them somewhere slightly cooler. This will help the blooms to last a bit longer.

Feed Them - Like all plants, amaryllis needs food to thrive. Once leaves begin to develop, apply a balanced but light fertilizer every 2-4 weeks to encourage stronger and healthier growth.

Even Growth - The natural growth habit of amaryllis developing long stems with large blooms at the top can lead to the plants leaning towards light. To maintain straight upward growth, turn your amaryllis plants every few days to prevent it from obviously leaning to one side.

Become a True Leaf Market Brand Ambassador! You’ll enjoy awesome perks, free products and exclusive swag & offers! Help us create a gardening revolution and help others experience the joy of growing!

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

0 Comments

No Comments yet! Be the first to start a conversation

  1. From Seed to Harvest: Understanding the Stages of Plant GrowthA seedling sprouting from the soil

    From Seed to Harvest: Understanding the Stages of Plant Growth

    Written By Lara Wadsworth There are so many different kinds of plants on the earth that it can be overwhelming at times, especially when all we are trying to do is have a successful garden. But when that garden contains 10 to 40 or more different kinds...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2024-12-10
    11 min read
    bubble 2
  2. Lara's 2024 Garden in Reviewgardener holding a carrot in a glove and a tomato plant with green fruits

    Lara's 2024 Garden in Review

    Written By Lara Wadsworth This year was only my third year having a garden to myself. Growing up, I gardened alongside my mother and grandmother, but after leaving home, I lived in apartments for many years without much space for a garden. I finally go...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2024-12-03
    13 min read
    bubble 0
  3. Cultivating Christmas TraditionsChristmas gifts, pine sprigs, and ornaments on dark background

    Cultivating Christmas Traditions

    Written By Lara Wadsworth The phrase “Christmas time is here!” will soon echo through your speakers and messaging all around. Most American families, regardless of religion, seem to be celebrating this massive holiday in one way or another. Some may fo...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2024-11-26
    8 min read
    bubble 0
  4. Giving Tuesday: Turning Gratitude Into Actiongiving tuesday header and person handing off a box of greens

    Giving Tuesday: Turning Gratitude Into Action

    There are a million ways to make the world better. But nothing can happen without action. The best way to make a difference is to start serving, donating, and seeing the people who are within your reach. Big, honorable stories often begin with someone ...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2024-11-19
    3 min read
    bubble 1