Home Gardening

What to do with those Amaryllis Bulbs
Garden Tips Newsletter - January 29, 2001

For repeat performances with your amaryllis bulbs, here are a few simple steps to follow:

1. When the bloom has faded, cut the flower stem back to within an inch of the bulb.

2. Long thin leaves will replace the stem. Allow these to grow, this will help replenish the bulb so that it will bloom again.

3. Place the bulb (in a pot) outside in a partly shaded spot, not in the direct sun.

4. Keep well watered and feed with half-strength complete fertilizer every other week.

5. In late summer, or when the leaves yellow, taper off watering.

6. Before the first frost, move the pot to a dark indoor location (closet or garage) and allow the leaves to die back.

7. After allow the plant to be dormant for 8 to 12 weeks, place the bulb in direct sun. New growth and a new flower should appear.

For more information on amaryllis culture go to:

Florida Horticulture Fact Sheets
Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service

These archived newsletters were written by Dr. Lelia Scott Kelly. Kelly is a Horticulture Specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service. Her office is in the North Mississippi Research & Extension Center, Verona.