• Near the end of summer, bring your amaryllis indoors as it prepares for its next cycle of blooms, or transition it to dormancy to time your winter blooms.
• When the flowers and stem fade, trim the stem down within 1-2 inches of the neck of the bulb. Be careful to not damage the leaves.
• When watering amaryllis, avoid soaking the soil and dont wet the parts of the bulb above the soil.
• During winter, care for amaryllis by placing it in a cool (mid-60 degree) location with bright, indirect light.
• To promote the next cycle of blooms, water and feed your amaryllis with Miracle-Gro® Indoor Plant Food every 7-14 days.
Amaryllis is a beautiful bulb plant that produces large, colorful bell-shaped flowers and thrives indoors. Most people treat their amaryllis bulbs as “one-and-done” flowers. In truth, they keep getting better with time. The bulbs get bigger, producing more flower stems. Here are some steps for taking care of your amaryllis year-round.
Amaryllis is one of the easiest flower bulbs to grow and care for. Follow the steps below and get excited for big, beautiful blooms!
• Start by choosing the largest bulb available because the bigger the bulb, the more stems and flowers it will produce.
• A healthy bulb will be firm and free from any mold, spots, bruising, or other signs of damage.
• Select a container that drains well and is about an inch wider and twice as tall as your bulb.
• Fill the pot halfway with Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix and place your bulb into the pot with the pointed end facing up.
• Once in place, fill in your pot with the remaining potting mix, leaving the top 1/3 of the bulb exposed.
• Water until the potting mix is thoroughly moist, but avoid wetting the exposed portion of the bulb.
• Place your newly planted amaryllis in a sunny spot and you should have blooms in about 8-10 weeks.
• Amaryllis does not like to sit in water, so wait until the top 2 inches of soil are dry to water again.
Amaryllis is a stunning bulb plant that produces large, trumpet-shaped blooms on tall flower stalks. With proper spacing and care, amaryllis can add a dramatic touch of beauty to any garden. Proper spacing is crucial for growing healthy, thriving amaryllis plants that put on a spectacular floral display. This comprehensive guide will provide useful tips on how to space your amaryllis bulbs correctly for optimal growth and abundant blooms.
Why Proper Spacing Matters
Spacing amaryllis bulbs too close together can lead to overcrowding, which causes several issues. Leaves and flowers may be smaller and fewer when plants compete for space, sunlight, nutrients, and water. Pests and diseases also rapidly spread in crowded conditions.
With adequate spacing, each bulb has sufficient room to grow uninhibited. The foliage can fully develop to fuel the plant through photosynthesis More space means more access to sunlight, allowing the plants to produce energy and robust blooms. Proper spacing also permits air circulation, which keeps the plants dry and healthy
How Far Apart to Plant Amaryllis Bulbs
When preparing an amaryllis bed, individual bulbs should be spaced 8-12 inches apart in all directions This allows enough space between plants to accommodate growth without any crowding issues. Here are some more amaryllis spacing tips
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For in-ground planting, space the bulbs 8-10 inches apart in rows spaced 12 inches apart.
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In containers, allow at least one bulb per 6-8 inch pot. For larger 10-12 inch pots, plant 3 bulbs together spaced evenly.
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Place the bulbs in staggered rows for the most efficient use of space.
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Give each plant adequate room to grow to its expected mature size.
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Plant dwarf varieties closer together, about 6-8 inches apart.
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Space full-size amaryllis varieties 12 inches apart.
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Larger, vigorous hybrids may need up to 18 inches of space all around.
Spacing for Indoor Amaryllis
One of the joys of amaryllis is being able to grow them indoors during the winter. Follow these tips for properly spacing amaryllis bulbs in indoor pots:
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Select a container 2-4 inches wider than the bulb diameter.
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For a 6 inch bulb, an 8 inch pot is ideal. Larger bulbs need 10-12 inch pots.
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Only plant 1 bulb per pot to allow adequate room for growth.
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Place multiple pots at least 12 inches apart near a sunny window where they’ll get bright, indirect light.
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Rotate the pots occasionally so all sides get even sunlight exposure.
Caring for Amaryllis After Planting
Once your amaryllis bulbs are properly spaced and planted, be sure to care for them properly to keep the plants healthy:
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Water whenever the top inch of soil becomes dry. Avoid overwatering.
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Fertilize monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during active growth and blooming.
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Stake taller varieties to prevent flopping in wind and rain.
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Remove faded flowers to encourage further blooming.
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Watch for pests like aphids, thrips, and mites. Treat promptly if any appear.
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Transplant into fresh soil every 2-3 years as bulbs multiply.
Tips for Planting in Containers
Growing amaryllis in patio pots and containers is an excellent way to add color to outdoor spaces like decks, patios, and entryways. Follow these tips when spacing amaryllis bulbs in containers:
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Select a container at least 2 inches wider than the bulb diameter.
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Plant bulbs just below the soil surface and water thoroughly after planting.
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For mixed plantings, choose bulbs of similar height and stagger planting.
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Combine early and late blooming varieties for an extended flower display.
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Fertilize regularly and move pots to a cool spot after flowering.
Achieve Abundant Blooms
With proper bulb spacing and care, your amaryllis will reward you with huge, brilliant blooms that make a stunning statement in any garden. Adequate spacing allows bulbs to achieve their maximum growth and bloom potential for a truly eye-catching floral display. Follow these amaryllis spacing guidelines and you’ll be amazed at the beautiful results you can achieve.
Transitioning Amaryllis Indoors in Fall
Bring your amaryllis indoors in late summer before the first frost. As fall approaches, your amaryllis flowers will fade, but worry not. Follow these steps to help it bloom again:
• Once the flowers have faded and the stem turns yellow, cut the stem off 1-2 inches above the neck of the bulb.
• Be careful to not injure the leaves or any emerging flower stalks. The leaves are needed to replenish the bulb so it can bloom again.
• Water enough to keep the soil moist, and avoid wetting the portion of the bulb that is above the soil.
• Feed your amaryllis with Miracle-Gro® Indoor Plant Food every 7-14 days to promote reblooming.
• Keep your amaryllis in the sunniest spot you can find in your house. More sun will mean bigger blooms later.
Caring for Amaryllis in Spring and Summer
Once temperatures stay above 50 degrees at night, you have the option of taking your amaryllis outside.
• Acclimate it to the outdoors by placing it in a shady area for 3 days and gradually expose it to more sun.
• These plants love sunshine. After its had time to acclimate outside, place it in a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sun daily.
• Amaryllis doesnt need to be planted in the ground. Feel free can keep it on your porch, or bury the pot in your garden bed.
Be sure to keep it well fed and watered to help it produce more leaves. This is when your bulb is storing up energy to produce more flowers, and healthier bulbs mean more flower stems and more blooms per stem.
Amaryllis Done Blooming? Here’s What to Do // Garden Answer
FAQ
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