Amaryllis in the garden
Amaryllis can thrive and flower year after year when planted in the garden, provided that the climate conditions are favourable. For gardeners in regions with warm summers and mild winters, amaryllis can establish well outdoors and follow a consistent summer growth cycle. However, in areas with cold winters, additional care may be needed. Here’s how to ensure your amaryllis flourishes in the garden, season after season.
Preparing Your Garden for Amaryllis
Before planting your amaryllis bulbs in the garden, it’s important to prepare the soil properly. Amaryllis bulbs need loose, well-draining soil to establish strong roots and grow effectively. Begin by loosening the soil to a depth of around 30 cm/12 inches, ensuring that the area is free of rocks, roots, or debris that could hinder root development.
Once your soil is prepared, plant the bulb with the neck exposed above the soil surface.
Watering Schedule After Planting
After planting, give your amaryllis a good initial watering to settle the soil around the roots. Once this is done, it’s best to wait 10 days before watering again to give the roots time to establish and stabilise in their new environment.
Once this period has passed, establish a regular watering schedule. Water every three to four days for about 10 minutes each time.
Feeding Your Amaryllis
Like many flowering bulbs, amaryllis benefits from regular feeding during its growth phase. Starting two weeks after planting, apply a bulb food or general fertiliser every second week to nourish the plant. This feeding schedule should continue through the entire growing season, even after the flowers have faded.
Feeding your amaryllis regularly provides the nutrients needed for both the current and future bloom cycles. Proper feeding will ensure that your amaryllis has enough energy to store in the bulb for next season’s flowers
Winter Care for Cold Climates
If you live in a region with cold winters, it’s important to take extra precautions to protect your amaryllis bulbs. After the foliage has yellowed and the plant has entered dormancy, you can lift the bulbs from the garden to store them for the winter.
Carefully dig up the bulbs, taking care not to damage the roots. Once lifted, allow the bulbs to dry out in a cool, dry place for a few days. After drying, store them in a cool, dark, and dry location until the next growing season.
Discover more about amaryllis
Planting your amaryllis in the garden opens up a whole new world of possibilities!
With the right care and placement, your amaryllis can thrive outdoors, adding vibrant blooms to your landscape. Learn how to successfully transition your plant from indoors to the garden, and discover tips on soil, light, and seasonal care.
Explore our sections on watering, potting up, post-flowering care, and lighting requirements to ensure your amaryllis thrives both indoors and out.
