General information

The amaryllis originated in South America's tropical regions and has the botanical name Hippeastrum. The amaryllis comes in many beautiful varieties and colours. Of all flowering bulbs, amaryllis are among the easiest to bring to bloom. The large flowers and ease with which they can be brought to bloom make amaryllis popular and in demand worldwide, both as bulb and cut flower. Choose bulbs that feel firm and hard and have good roots. If the bulbs cannot be planted immediately, they should be stored at a cool place.

Bulbs planted during spring will flower within a shorter period and stay shorter than bulbs which are planted during autumn or winter. Important is the preparation period of the bulb, in which the bulb is stored at least 8-10 weeks at 13°C. As most Dutch-grown amaryllis bulbs are harvested during August and September, it is important to include a preparation period of preferably 10 weeks. After planting, the bulbs will flower in 4-10 weeks generally, if located at 20-22°C.
However, due to the variety’s characteristics, bulbs will need a different time span to blossom. Species like, for example, Limona, Marilyn, Magic Green, Spartacus and Flamenco Queen are known for their rapid development.

Our bulbs are cultivated by Dutch growers and known as hard and sustainable. They are jumbo-sized and have lasted a preparation period. We always keep record of the bulb’s origin; we do not buy bulbs which have been used for cutting flowers recently. A large part of those bulbs is ‘empty‘ and need a long time to bloom again. On the opposite there are bulbs from South America, which sometimes bloom after just three weeks. However, those bulbs are available in five colours and provide less flowers than Dutch grown bulbs. South American bulbs are available on request (limited), as for some projects their characteristics could be a plus. Those bulbs are the so-called sprout bulbs.

Most of our bulbs are grown according to the M.P.S.-A status. If you want specifically bulbs with this sustainability quality mark, please inform us about your specific need.

Care of amaryllis bulbs

Take a large pot and a nutritious potting compost, many are available pre-mixed. Plant the bulb up to its neck in the potting compost, being careful not to damage the roots. Press the soil down firmly to set the bulb securely in place after planting. Place the potted bulb in a warm place with direct light since heat is necessary for the development of the stems. Room temperature is ideal. Water sparingly until the stem appears, then, as the bud and leaves appear, gradually water more. At this point, the stem will grow rapidly, and flowers will develop after it has reached full growth. To preclude the bulb from getting soft and weak from the outside, it is recommended to supply water from below.

You can also take a long vase and plant the bulb upon a 2-inch layer of gravel. The roots will find a way to the water between the gravel and the bulb remains dry. The vase must be high as the stems need support to stay upright.
When the amaryllis has stopped flowering, it can be made to flower again a year later. Cut the old flowers from the stem after flowering, and when the stem starts to sag, cut it back to the top of the bulb. Continue to water and fertilise as normal all summer, or for at least 5-6 months, allowing the leaves to fully develop and grow. When the leaves begin to yellow, which normally occurs in the early fall, cut the leaves back to about 2 inches from the top of the bulb and remove the bulb from the soil. Clean the bulb and place it in a cool, dark place. After at least 6 weeks you can plant the bulb again.

It is worth trying this, but you will find out that new bulbs result in more and better flowers. For clarity, it has lasted professional growers three years to deliver a full-grown quality product.