Holiday Bulb Care

Posted on November 1, 2024

Plant your Amaryllis and Paperwhites now so you can enjoy them throughout the holiday season! Amaryllis are well known for their huge showy blooms, while Paperwhites are a great easy-care choice for fragrant flowers in a shorter time. Both these festive bulb varieties make excellent centerpieces or gifts for your friends and family. Follow these simple tips to get yours started today!

Amaryllis

Plant your bare bulb Amaryllis ASAP if you want to enjoy their blooms for Christmas, as they can take 6-10 weeks to bloom. If you’re behind, don’t worry! We also offer kits and waxed bulbs which bloom quicker.

Tips and Tricks

  • Soak bulbs in Van Wilgen’s JumpStart for 24 hours before planting to provide them with essential nutrients and accelerate bloom time
  • When soaking the bulbs, water should only cover up to the basil plate (bottom where roots attach to the bulb)
  • Always follow the directions on the plant tag first (blooming times below may vary depending on the bulb)
  • Bigger bulbs result in more blooms
  • Plant the bulbs about 1/2 to 3/4 of the way up in a nutritious potting compost, while being careful not to damage the roots.
  • Choose a pot with drainage holes and do not pack the soil. Amaryllis are vulnerable to bulb and root rot and should never be left to sit in water.
  • Set the bulb securely upright after planting.
  • Place the potted bulb in a warm place with direct light. (The ideal temperature is 68 – 70°F.)
  • Water sparingly until the stem appears. Gradually water more as the leaves and buds appear. At this point, the stem will grow rapidly and flowers will develop after the plant has reached its full height.
  • Make sure to turn potted bulbs every other day to keep stems growing straight
  • Stagger planting your bulbs over several weeks to ensure a continuous bloom cycle over the winter season

Waxed Bulbs

  • 4-6 weeks to bloom after placing in a warm area
  • No-soil option
  • Watering is not required

Pre-Potted Kits

  • Typically faster to bloom (2-3 weeks after placing in a warm area but may take up to 6-8 weeks)
  • Ready-to-go option makes for an excellent gift
  • Variety of colors

Bare Bulbs

  • 6-10 weeks after planting to bloom
  • Large variety of colors to choose from
  • Pick out your own bulb

Paperwhites

Plant your Paperwhites before the end of November if you want to enjoy their blooms for Christmas, as they can take 3-5 weeks to bloom.

Tips and Tricks

  • Soak bulbs in Van Wilgen’s JumpStart for 24 hours before planting to provide them with essential nutrients
  • When soaking the bulbs, water should only cover up to the basil plate (bottom where roots attach to the bulb)
  • Always follow the directions on the plant tag first (blooming times below may vary depending on the bulb)
  • Choose a shallow pot with no drainage holes and add a layer of pebbles to the bottom. Fill the water so that the level just reaches the base of the bulbs. Check regularly and add water as needed
  • Paperwhites can also be grown in soil if preferred
  • Place on a cool windowsill
  • Make sure to turn potted bulbs every other day to keep stems growing straight
  • Stagger planting your bulbs over several weeks to ensure a continuous bloom cycle over the winter season