Is It Too Late to Plant Amaryllis for Christmas? Here's How to Get Gorgeous Blooms in Time
The clock is ticking, but there's still hope for a festive flower show. Choosing the right bulbs and growing conditions can make all the difference.
It’s not necessarily too late to plant amaryllis bulbs for Christmas, but timing does matter. Amaryllis typically blooms six to eight weeks after planting, so early to mid-November is your last chance to get bulbs in the pot if you want striking holiday flowers in time for the big day.
If you’re growing amaryllis for holiday flowers, choose the right type. Amaryllis usually refers to Hippeastrum, a South American native, not true Amaryllis, also known as belladonna lilies from South Africa. Most Hippeastrum bulbs sold this time of year are grown in the Southern Hemisphere and will bloom in six to eight weeks. Dutch-grown bulbs take longer, so avoid these.
Flowering also varies by the plant’s growing conditions, which means you have some control. While early or mid-November is the ideal time to plant a holiday amaryllis, you can do a few things to speed up the process if you’ve just missed the window.
How to Plant Amaryllis Bulbs
Getting healthy holiday blooms isn’t just luck. How you choose and plant your bulbs is important. Start by selecting the best bulbs. Look for large, firm, and healthy bulbs without soft spots, damage, or mold. If you see a bulb that has the tip of a green stem emerging, grab it. This bulb has already begun to break dormancy and should flower sooner.
While unusual varieties can be expensive, you don't need to spend a lot of money on bulbs – Walmart sells preplanted bulbs for under $6.
Next, choose a good-quality potting mix, such as Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix, available at Amazon, and a container with drainage holes that is only one or two inches (2.5 to 5 cm) wider than the bulb. Position the bulb in the pot so that the pointy end is up and one-third to one-half of the bulb is above the surface of the potting mix.
Water your planted bulb thoroughly, letting it all drain through, before setting it in a warm, bright spot. Keep the potting mix just slightly damp, never soggy. Amaryllis doesn’t need much water and can rot in soggy conditions.
Can You Make Amaryllis Bloom Faster?
While you can’t significantly alter the timeline for flowering, a few easy tips encourage strong and steady growth:
- Soak the Roots. Stimulate the roots to help them come out of dormancy by soaking them in lukewarm water for a few hours before planting the bulb.
- Keep it Warm. Amaryllis plants grow best in warm conditions. Situate your plant in a spot that is around 70–75°F (21–24°C). More heat isn’t better. Placing it on or over a radiator, for instance, can backfire.
- Provide Plenty of Light. A sunny, south-facing window will provide the bright light this sun-loving plant needs to grow strong stems. Be sure to rotate the pot every few days to keep the stem straight.
You can’t do a lot to force it, but these conditions provide everything your plant needs for a healthy growth rate. Just don’t overdo it. Fertilizer, too much heat, and too much water can do more harm than good.
What if I Left it Too Late?
Be realistic about timing with amaryllis bulbs. If it’s late November, you might still have time for a Christmas flower. Choose the largest, healthiest bulb, with a bit of green growth, if possible, for the best start. Provide the best conditions and cross your fingers.
If it’s already December, you won’t get a flower by Christmas from a dormant bulb. However, you can probably find a potted amaryllis that has already broken dormancy and has a stem. This plant will likely bloom by Christmas.
How to Prolong Amaryllis Flowers Over the Holidays
You got some gorgeous blooms in time for Christmas, but now you want them to last. It’s time to switch your care strategy from encouraging growth to keeping flowers looking their best.
- Drop the Temperature. Warmth is important for growth, but once flowers have opened, it’s best to cool things down. Put your plant in an area that is a little cooler, around 65°F (18°C). Your plant still needs bright light, though.
- Avoid Overwatering. Soggy soil is a big no-no for an amaryllis. As the plant grows and blooms, you can increase watering slightly, but the goal is to keep the potting mix just slightly moist.
- Support the Stem. Open flowers can cause stems to lean or flop. Use a stake with ties or clips to support it. This orchid support stake and clip set from Amazon will keep tall amaryllis stems upright without distracting from the beautiful blooms.
- Keep Rotating. Continue to rotate the pot every few days so the plant gets even sunlight. This helps keep the stem straight and sturdy.
When the flowers do fade, snip them off to keep the plant looking tidy. Once all the flowers are done blooming, cut the stem back close to the bulb. With the right care, you should enjoy healthy, attractive flowers for two to three weeks.
Shop Amaryllis Bulbs
Here are a few great options available to buy now, with beautiful blooms that will bring a festive splash of color to your home.
Whether you get flowers in time for Christmas or not, forcing an amaryllis bulb indoors is a great winter activity. Enjoy your blooms, even if they don’t open until January. And if you’re up for it, you can keep the plant going and encourage it to bloom again next year.
