An amaryllis bulb has a natural temperature sensor that prevents sprouting under unfavorable climatic conditions. As a hobby gardener, you benefit from this attribute in the form of flexible planting times. Here we will explain to you in a practical way how the floral mechanism works.
When is the optimal amaryllis planting time?
The best time to plant amaryllis is from the end of September to January. Planting in the fall will produce blooms during Advent or Christmas, while planting in the winter will allow for spring blooms. Make sure to only insert half of the bulb into the substrate.
Autumn planting time initiates winter blossoms
As long as you store a Ritterstern onion in a dark and cool place, at 5-8 degrees Celsius, there will be no life inside. Only when the substrate exceeds the 10 degree mark and room temperatures prevail in the bright location do stems and buds emerge into the light. It then takes another 6 to 8 weeks for the flower to show off in all its glory. This is how it works:
- Planting time at the end of September/beginning of October for a flower in Advent
- Planting time in early November for a flower at Christmas time
- Planting time in December/January for a flowering in spring
The warmer the location, the faster the growth of buds and flowers progresses. If the mercury oscillates between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius, your knight's star will reliably stick to this schedule as long as it receives the right care.
Amaryllis bulb needs air to breathe
All strategic planning for the best planting date will come to nothing if you completely sink a Ritterstern onion into the substrate. Please always pot the tuber so that half of it is exposed.
Tip
A Knight's Star planted in early fall has the potential for another bloom season in the summer. Just cut off the wilted flowers and the hollow stem. In a partially shaded, warm window seat, water regularly and fertilize every 14 days. After regeneration of 6 to 8 weeks, your amaryllis will - with a little luck - put on its flower dress a second time.
