Amaryllis will grow well outside in warm regions up to Zone 7b. Plant these beauties in your warm climate garden.
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Amaryllis bulbs produce showy, trumpet-shaped flowers that can brighten up any garden. Their bold colors and impressive size make them stand out in borders flower beds or containers. While amaryllis bulbs are commonly grown as houseplants and forced to bloom indoors many gardeners wonder if they can also be planted directly in the ground.
In this article, we’ll explore when and where you can plant amaryllis bulbs outdoors. We’ll also discuss how to properly plant and care for amaryllis so you can enjoy their striking blooms in your garden year after year.
Where Can Amaryllis Be Grown Outside?
Amaryllis bulbs are native to tropical regions and are not cold hardy. They can only be grown outdoors year-round in zones 8-10 where winter temperatures do not drop below 10°F. In zone 7, you can plant cold-tolerant amaryllis species in the spring after the threat of frost has passed.
If you live in zones 4-6, you can still grow amaryllis outside, but the bulbs must be dug up and overwintered indoors before the first frost. They can be replanted outside the following spring.
- Zones 8-10: Amaryllis can be grown outside year-round
- Zone 7: Some species can be planted in spring
- Zones 4-6: Bulbs must be dug up in fall and overwintered indoors
When choosing a planting site, pick a location that receives full sun for at least 6-8 hours per day. Amaryllis prefer sandy, well-drained soil and will rot if they sit in wet conditions.
How Deep Should You Plant Amaryllis Bulbs?
When planting amaryllis bulbs in the ground, dig holes that are about 6-8 inches deep. Place 1 bulb in each hole with the top 1/3 of the bulb sticking out above the soil surface. Space bulbs 12-15 inches apart.
Backfill the holes with soil, firming it around the bulbs. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil. Add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the bulbs to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
When Should You Plant Amaryllis Outdoors?
Spring is the best time to plant amaryllis bulbs outside in most regions. Wait until daytime temperatures are consistently above 60°F and nighttime lows stay above 50°F before planting. This will reduce the risk of bulb rot.
In zone 7, plant cold-tolerant amaryllis species in early to mid spring once the threat of frost has passed. In zones 8-10, bulbs can be planted in fall or early winter. Stagger planting over several weeks for a continuous bloom.
Potted amaryllis should be planted outdoors after they finish flowering. Gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions first before transplanting into the garden.
Caring for Amaryllis Planted in the Ground
Proper care is required to keep amaryllis healthy and blooming year after year:
- Water regularly during the growing season, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in fall.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly in spring and summer. Discontinue fertilizing in September.
- Remove spent flower stalks after blooms fade using a sharp knife. Leave the foliage intact.
- Allow foliage to die back naturally in fall as bulbs enter dormancy.
- Mulch bulbs with 2-3 inches of bark chips, leaves, or other organic material in late fall.
- Divide overcrowded bulbs every 2-3 years in fall after foliage dies back. Replant bulbs immediately.
- Lift and store bulbs indoors if you live in zones 4-6 before first frost.
Common Problems with Amaryllis Planted Outdoors
While amaryllis bulbs are relatively carefree when planted properly, they can encounter a few problems:
- Rotting bulbs – Caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil. Allow soil to dry between waterings and plant in well-draining areas.
- Leaf scorch – Leaves turn brown along edges when exposed to intense sun and heat. Provide afternoon shade in hot climates.
- Pests & diseases – Slugs, snails, aphids and viruses may attack plants. Remove pests by hand and destroy diseased foliage.
- Failure to bloom – Usually due to inadequate sunlight, overcrowding, improper planting depth or nutrient deficiencies.
- Foliage dying prematurely – Can be caused by under watering, overwatering, diseases or nutrient deficiencies.
Quick diagnosis and treatment of any issues will keep your amaryllis vigorous and flowering season after season. Be sure to plant bulbs at the proper depth in a sunny, well-drained spot for the best results.
Final Thoughts on Growing Amaryllis Outdoors
Amaryllis bulbs are an easy way to add dramatic color to the garden that looks exotic but requires minimal care. When planted properly and given adequate growing conditions, these beauties will naturalize and provide striking blooms year after year.
Even if you don’t live in an ideal climate, you can still enjoy amaryllis outdoors for part of the year by overwintering the bulbs indoors. With their huge flower heads in brilliant shades of red, pink, white and orange, amaryllis bulbs are sure to be a showstopper in any outdoor space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can indoor amaryllis be planted outside?
Yes, after your amaryllis stops flowering indoors, you can plant it outside once the risk of frost has passed, usually mid-April. Plant the bulb in the ground the same way you did indoors, leaving 1/3 above the soil.
Can amaryllis bulbs be left in the ground over winter?
In zones 9-11 where winter temps stay above 20°F, amaryllis can remain in the ground year-round. In colder zones, dig up bulbs in fall and overwinter them indoors.
Do amaryllis come back every year?
With proper care, amaryllis can rebloom annually. Cut off faded blooms to prevent seed formation which saps energy. Fertilize regularly and divide when overcrowded.
When can I transplant amaryllis in the ground?
Fall and winter, from September through January, is the best time to plant amaryllis bulbs outdoors. You can leave some foliage if still green when planting.
How do you plant amaryllis?
Plant amaryllis bulbs in partial shade and well-draining soil. Bury neck deep, leaving 1/3 of bulb above ground. Water well at planting and keep moist while actively growing. Mulch to conserve moisture.
Amaryllis Garden Care: Tips On Planting Amaryllis Outside
Amaryllis is as popular a holiday gift plant as poinsettia and Christmas cactus. Once the attractive blooms fade, though, we’re left wondering what to do next. Of course, many people choose to continue growing the plant indoors, but it may come as a pleasant surprise to know that in warmer climes, up to USDA zone 7b, amaryllis care in the garden is an option too. Read on to learn more about growing amaryllis in gardens.
Amaryllis bulbs are easy enough to grow indoors, and just as easy to grow in the garden, provided you live in a suitable region. They make great specimens outdoors. They perform well in beds, borders, or containers outside. You can also scatter them throughout the landscape in naturalized areas.
These plants look exceptionally attractive when planted in groups. Best of all, amaryllis bulbs are deemed resistant to both deer and many rodents. Whether you are planning on planting the bulbs themselves or transplanting forced plants, it’s important to know when the appropriate time for doing so is.
Typically, new bulbs are planted with other spring bloomers – in fall. Those gifted to you (or purchased plants) can go outside in spring after the threat of frost has passed. Wait until the plants have finished blooming too. Prior to moving these plants outside, however, you’ll want to gradually acclimate them to their new environment.
How to Grow Amaryllis in the Garden
Once amaryllis plants are ready to be planted, you’ll have to decide where to put them. First, consider light, since those being acclimated will need to slowly be introduced to more light anyway.
Amaryllis can tolerate both sun and shade fairly well but typically fares better somewhere in between – like partial shade. Too much sunlight can lead to leaf burn, while flowering may be limited in too much shade. Next, consider the soil in the area you want to grow amaryllis.
These bulbs prefer well-draining soil. You can improve drainage by creating raised beds or simply mixing in some organic matter, like peat or compost. Amended soil will also provide amaryllis with nutrients for healthy growth. Planting amaryllis outdoors is much the same as in containers, neck deep, keeping the top 1/3 of the bulb sticking up above soil level.