Amaryllis is native to Cape Province in South Africa, and as with other bulbs native to this region. They benefit from a period of dry dormancy before reblooming again. In the autumn season, many temperate zone gardeners bring potted amaryllis bulbs indoors and dry out potting soil to induce dormancy. By withholding water, amaryllis leaves yellow, shrivel, brown, and die.

Once leaves die back, move the pot(s) to a cool dry location for its 8-12 weeks dormancy period. Cool basements and garages are ideal storage areas. You may remove the bulb from soil and place it into a paper bag. Allow your plant to remain in this location for 3-4 month. You may opt to repot the bulb to a slightly wider pot if desired. Amaryllis bulbs don’t mind being pot bound. Once the potting soil (potting media) dries out, water sparingly and choose to restart the bulb. Simply supply water, but do not overwater the bulb to avoid rotting. Generally, it takes 6 to 12 weeks for blooms to initiate.

The flower bud will emerge first, followed by the green strap-like leaves. Extend floral life by placing the plant in a cool location and bright daylight. Rotate the pot weekly to direct the bloom stalk to grow tall and straight. Otherwise, stalk will angle toward the sunlight or another available light source.

After flowering, cut the flowering stem(s) off. Once leaves appear you should feed amaryllis with a water-soluble fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks. When danger of frost has passed, set your bulb outside in a partly shady location. At this point you can fertilize it every 3 to 4 weeks until late July.

Quick troubleshooting tips:

• Dormant period (8-12 weeks); cool in a refrigerator or unheated garage above freezing.
• Dormancy temps around 35-45 °F are best.
• Outdoor growing period in spring/summer in morning sunlight/afternoon shade.
• Fertilize plant monthly during the spring/summer growing period