Amaryllis is a popular bulb plant cherished for its stunning, trumpet-shaped blooms. With proper timing and techniques, you can successfully harvest your amaryllis bulbs for storage and get them ready to bloom again next season. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about when and how to harvest your amaryllis plant.
When is the Best Time to Harvest Amaryllis?
Timing is critical when harvesting amaryllis bulbs. The ideal time is after the flowers have faded and the foliage starts yellowing and dying back, which is usually 6-8 weeks after blooming. This indicates the plant has stopped sending energy to the flowers and is entering dormancy.
Harvesting too early can shock amaryllis, while leaving bulbs in the ground too long increases the risk of diseases. Watch for these signs that it’s time to dig up your bulbs:
- Flowers and flower stalks fade and dry out
- Leaves start turning yellow or brown
- Foliage appears droopy and withered
Aim to lift your bulbs while some green remains on the leaves to ensure proper nutrients gets stored in the bulb
Digging Up Amaryllis Bulbs
When harvest time arrives, carefully dig up each bulb individually rather than pulling clumps from the ground. Follow these steps:
1. Prepare for Digging
Water the soil a day before lifting bulbs to make digging easier. Have cleaning supplies ready like a brush, hose, and fungicide.
2. Loosen the Soil
Use a spading fork to gently loosen the soil around each bulb to avoid nicking or bruising them
3. Lift Each Bulb
Carefully lift bulbs from the soil using your hands or a small garden fork. Handle them gently.
4. Remove Excess Dirt
Gently shake or brush off excess soil from bulbs, but don’t wash them yet. Allow them to dry for a few hours.
5. Check for Damage
Inspect bulbs and remove any rotted, bruised, or damaged sections with a sterile knife. Discard any bulbs that are too far gone.
6. Wash Bulbs
Wash bulbs thoroughly with a hose or by soaking in cool water mixed with fungicide to remove all soil. Dry bulbs completely before storing.
Storing Amaryllis Bulbs for Replanting
After digging and cleaning your bulbs, proper storage is vital for replanting in the future. Follow these tips:
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Cure bulbs in a cool, dry spot out of direct sunlight for 2-3 weeks. This toughens their outer layers for storage.
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Trim foliage back to 1-2 inches from the top of the bulb after curing. Don’t remove leaves entirely.
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Store bulbs in breathable bags or boxes in a cool (55°F), dark place for 6-8 weeks.
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Inspect regularly and discard any bulbs with mold or rotting. Healthy bulbs will be firm.
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Don’t store bulbs touching each other or in airtight containers. Good air circulation prevents rot and disease.
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Soak bulbs in lukewarm fungicide solution for 30 minutes before replanting.
Proper post-harvest care ensures your amaryllis bulbs remain robust and bloom beautifully in the seasons ahead.
Common Problems When Harvesting Amaryllis
Avoid these potential issues with proper harvesting techniques:
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Cuts and nicks – Dig carefully to avoid damaging bulbs with tools.
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Rotting – Wash bulbs after digging and use fungicide to prevent diseases. Discard damaged bulbs.
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Dehydration – Prevent bulbs from drying out completely before storage. Keep some foliage.
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Rodents or pests – Store bulbs in rodent-proof areas and check regularly for pest damage. Discard affected bulbs.
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Mold growth – Ensure bulbs cure and dry thoroughly before storage. Check bulbs and discard any with mold.
Harvesting Amaryllis FAQs
Get answers to some common questions about harvesting amaryllis bulbs:
Should I cut off all the foliage when harvesting?
No, leave some leaves intact for photosynthesis to nourish the bulb. Trim leaves down to 1-2 inches after curing bulbs.
Can I leave bulbs in pots to dry before storage?
Yes. After digging, allow potted bulbs to dry completely with foliage attached before removing leaves, roots, and old soil.
What do I do with harvested bulbs that aren’t in great shape?
Bulbs with some scrapes or damaged roots can recover with proper care. But discard any bulbs that are diseased, rotten, or infested with pests to prevent spreading issues.
How do I replant amaryllis bulbs after storage?
In late winter, plant stored bulbs in fresh potting mix with 1/3 of bulb above the soil. Water sparingly until growth appears, then regularly.Provide bright, indirect light and temperatures of 60-70°F.
Can I save seeds from amaryllis plants?
Yes! After flowers fade, harvest seed pods once they turn yellow-brown. Open pods to collect seeds, dry them, and store in an airtight container in a cool area until planting.
Get Perfect Timing for Bountiful Blooms
Learning how to properly harvest your amaryllis bulbs prepares them for optimal growth and flowering next season. Follow the techniques in this guide to successfully dig, cure, and store your bulbs. With the right post-harvest care, your amaryllis will reward you with their spectacular blooms year after year.
Can You Grow Amaryllis From Seeds?
