Blooming amaryllis enchant the Christmas windowsill. To ensure that the deep red flowers are enthroned on green stems in time for Christmas, preparations begin in autumn. This guide unlocks the secret of how an amaryllis bulb shines in opulent blooms just in time for the festival.
How do I get an amaryllis to bloom at Christmas?
To get an amaryllis to bloom at Christmas, plant the bulb in late October/early November in a pot of appropriate diameter, with peat-free potting soil and drainage. The care includes a dark position at 16°-18°C, watering via the saucer and a change of location to the bright windowsill when budding is visible.
Planting date controls amaryllis flowering time
Amaryllis belong to the exotic genus of knight's stars (Hippeastrum). Due to their tropical origin, the flower beauties have a different life cycle than native bulb flowers. A natural sensor for light and temperature conditions controls the flowering time. Local temperatures from 15° to 16° Celsius bring the dormant onion to life. If cared for with the right planting and care plan, an amaryllis will be in full bloom six to eight weeks later. This rule of thumb applies:
Planting date for blooming amaryllis at Christmas: end of October/beginning of November
An earlier planting date at the beginning of October gives you red amaryllis flowers in Advent. If you plant an amaryllis bulb from mid-December, the flowering period begins in spring.
This is how Amaryllis blooms for Christmas
The gardening timetable for Christmas blossoms is based on a combination of planting techniques, light and temperature conditions as well as a simple care program. How to do it right:
Ingredients
- Flower pot diameter: Distance between amaryllis bulb and edge of pot maximum 4-5 cm
- Substrate: peat-free pot plant soil (€19.00 at Amazon) with a third of lava granules
- Drainage: inorganic, small-grain material, such as expanded clay, grit, clay granules
- Gloves: Amaryllis bulbs are poisonous
Planting, setting up and caring for amaryllis bulbs
To begin, create a 2 to 3 cm high drainage in the flower pot above the bottom opening. Fill the container two-thirds full with soil. Plant the Ritterstern onion with the tip pointing upwards. It is important to note that the onion is only half covered with substrate. To water, place the pot in a saucer filled with water. The steps continue:
- Place amaryllis in a pot in a dark location at 16° to 18° Celsius
- Keep the substrate slightly moist and do not fertilize
- If budding is noticeable, change location to the bright windowsill with normal room temperatures
In parallel with growth, you increase the water supply. Please continue to pour over the coaster. The core of the substrate should be a little moist.
Tip
Do you give amaryllis as a gift for Christmas? Then you should be familiar with the complex, non-verbal message to the recipient. Blooming amaryllis mean deep admiration, high appreciation and close connection.
