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Planting Amaryllis or Hippeastrum is a tender bulb and needs to be planted in a pot indoors.Bulbs should flower about six to eight weeks after planting, and should be planted from October to January.

Here’s how to plant your bulbs:• Plant bulbs using John Innes No.2 or multipurpose compost into pots a little

larger than the bulb itself. Two-thirds of the bulb should remain above the surface • Place in a well-lit spot at 21°C (70°F) • Water sparingly until the new leaves develop and then start watering regularly.

Do not let the compost dry out, but avoid excess water collecting in the saucer • Turn the pot regularly to prevent the flower stalk growing towards the light.

Cultivars with large flowers should be staked • When in flower, move the plant to a cooler place, about 15–18°C (60-65°F), to

extend the flowering period

Aftercare Method 1• After flowering, grow the bulb on and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser weekly • Place the bulbs in their pots outside or in the greenhouse during the summer months, but shade them from

scorching sunshine and water regularly • In late September move the plants to a well-lit position and keep cooler at about 13°C (55°F) for eight to ten

weeks. Stop feeding and reduce watering so that the plant becomes semi-dormant • After this cool dormant period, cut the remaining old leaves to 10cm (4in) from the neck of the bulb. Replace

the top 2.5-5cm (1-2in) of compost • Commence growing as for planting of a new bulb

Method 2• In late September, withhold watering and let the plants gradually dry out. They may die back as a result • Keeping them in their pots, place the plants in a cool place, such as a greenhouse or garage (light is not

necessary), for one to two months • Start them back into growth by bringing them indoors into the light and resuming watering and feeding• Hippeastrums need re-potting every two or three years in January to March after flowering.

Advice SheetAmaryllis Planting & Care