If you’re like me, you absolutely love the gorgeous blooms that come from an amaryllis plant during the holiday season. There’s something so magical about having these stunning flowers around Christmas time.
But what happens after they’ve bloomed? What do you do with your amaryllis bulbs to make sure they bloom year after year?
Here’s how I’ve been overwintering plants like amaryllis, so you can enjoy their beauty again and again, with minimal effort.
Timing is Key: When to Begin Overwintering Your Amaryllis Bulbs
Why Timing Matters for Amaryllis Care
I’ve learned that timing is everything when it comes to amaryllis care. For the best blooms by Christmas, your bulbs need to go through a dormancy period.
You can’t just toss them in a corner. They need about 2-3 months of rest.
Ideally, you should start prepping your bulbs in pots around early September. That’s when I begin thinking about when I want them to bloom.
Amaryllis plants need about 2-3 months of dormancy. You want to give them enough time to rest before they’re ready to burst into color.
Here’s the trick: If you want your amaryllis plant to bloom by Christmas, you’ll need to pull them out of dormancy around November 5th. This timing should have your bulbs blooming around mid-December, just in time for the holidays.
Staggering Your Bulb Removal for Extended Blooming
Want longer-lasting blooms? Stagger the removal of your bulbs.
I take out some of my bulbs on November 5th and others around November 15th.
This way, I have amaryllis plants blooming at different times during the cold, dark winter months.
A little extra effort, but totally worth it for longer-lasting blooms.
Preparing Your Amaryllis Bulbs for Dormancy
Trimming Foliage and Getting Ready for Storage
Before storing your amaryllis plant bulbs, you need to trim the foliage.
That’s right, even the tiny bits of green foliage need to go.
I cut them down to almost nothing. This helps the bulb enter deep dormancy.
Cutting them close to the base works best. Just make sure not to go overboard. A little trimming goes a long way.
If your bulbs are in bulbs in pots, leave them right where they are. They like being a bit root-bound, so there’s no need to disturb them.
Best Containers for Storing Bulbs
When it comes to overwintering plants, the right storage container makes a difference.
I keep my amaryllis bulbs in their original pots. But you could also use a cardboard box for bare bulbs.
The key is to keep them in a dark, cool place.
You want to maintain those dormancy conditions so that they rest up for their next round of blooms.
No light, no heat—just a little peace and quiet for your bulbs to recover.
Where to Store Your Amaryllis for Winter Dormancy
Ideal Indoor Storage Locations for Bulbs
If you’re like me and live in a smaller space, finding the right place to store your bulbs can be tricky.
But I’ve found a great spot in my closet. I just lay down some cardboard to catch any moisture and then pop the bulbs in there.
Keeping them in a cool, dry space is essential. Plus, it’s out of the way, so I can forget about them until it’s time to wake them up.
Using a Basement or Garage for Proper Storage
For those with more space, like a basement or garage, this is ideal for storing amaryllis plants.
Professional growers store their bulbs in these types of cool, dark areas. My garage is like a basement—cool, dark, and perfect for overwintering plants.
I store mine at about 50-55°F (10-13°C). This is the sweet spot for amaryllis. I store mine there for about 8-12 weeks.
And the best part? I barely need to water them during that time.
How to Monitor Bulbs During Dormancy
Minimal Watering and Dry Conditions
During dormancy, the goal is to keep the bulbs dry.
I only water mine a little bit after 4-6 weeks if I’m planning to store them for a full 12 weeks.
Too much water can lead to mold and rot, which is something I definitely want to avoid!
A little winter care goes a long way in making sure the bulbs stay healthy and ready for their bloom.
Keeping an Eye on Your Bulbs
I also check in on my bulbs every couple of weeks.
Sometimes, if there’s moisture in the storage area, I might notice some mold or a bit of rot creeping in.
If that happens, I immediately adjust the temperature or humidity to fix the problem.
You don’t want to risk losing those beautiful blooms!
Bringing Your Amaryllis Bulbs Out of Dormancy
How to Wake Up Your Amaryllis for Blooming
After 8-12 weeks of dormancy, it’s time to bring the bulbs out!
I always do this around November 5th to get those Christmas blooms.
I set them in a warm, sunny spot indoors and give them a good drink of water.
This signals to the bulbs that it’s time to wake up and start growing again.
They need that winter care boost to kickstart the blooming process.
Getting Your Bulbs to Bloom by Christmas
If you’ve followed the steps right, your bulbs should bloom in 6-8 weeks.
The timing is perfect for Christmas, and let me tell you, it’s so worth the wait.
I absolutely love having these stunning, rich-colored flowers inside my home during the holiday season.
Just remember, winter care and good timing are crucial to getting the blooms just right.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with Amaryllis Dormancy
Mistakes to Avoid During Dormancy
One of the most common mistakes I’ve made is overwatering.
Don’t do it! Your bulbs don’t need much water while they’re dormant.
If you’re unsure, less is more.
Also, if your storage space is too warm, it can mess with the dormancy process.
Plant tips: Always check the temperature and humidity to ensure your bulbs are getting the best care.
Why Your Amaryllis May Not Bloom on Time
If your amaryllis plant doesn’t bloom on time, it could be because it didn’t get enough dormancy.
Or maybe it was exposed to too much warmth.
Be patient and follow the timing carefully, and you should be rewarded with gorgeous flowers right on schedule.
Sharing the Joy: Gift Your Amaryllis Bulbs
Giving Amaryllis Bulbs as Gifts
One of the things I love most about amaryllis care is that they’re so easy to share with others.
Amaryllis make the perfect gift, especially for the holidays.
You can share your bulbs with friends and family, and they’ll have their own beautiful blooms to enjoy.
Plus, it’s a great way to spread a little joy each year.
Consider Storing Other Bulbs, Like Canna Bulbs
The same method I use for storing amaryllis plants works for other bulbs too, like canna bulbs.
If you’re planning on overwintering plants like these, just follow the same steps, and you’ll be set for the next growing season.