How to care for you amaryllis

Start by carefully selecting your amaryllis bulb. If you want it to bloom for Christmas, choose a pre-treated bulb and plant it around mid-November. Make sure the bulb is firm and free from any damage or soft spots. Alternatively, you can buy a bulb that has already been planted. (In Southern Europe, amaryllis is typically a spring-winter bloomer.) If you prefer the bloom to appear later, opt for an untreated bulb.

Once home, soak the roots in water, ensuring only the roots are submerged, not the entire bulb. The following day, plant the bulb in regular potting soil, using a sturdy pot to support the plant as it grows. Water the soil thoroughly and place the plant in a warm, dark location. At this stage, the amaryllis doesn't need additional water until the stem begins to emerge, which typically takes about a week.

After the stem appears, water sparingly. When the amaryllis blooms, it prefers cool temperatures. While the plant tolerates plenty of light, avoid placing it in direct sunlight.

After the flowers have faded, cut off the flower stalk and wait for any additional stems to emerge.

Once all the stems have finished blooming, increase watering and begin adding a small amount of fertilizer weekly. During the summer, you can move the pot outdoors, placing it in a spot with partial shade. Continue watering and feeding the plant regularly throughout this period.

As autumn approaches, stop watering completely and allow the leaves to wither naturally. Then, place the pot in a cool, dark spot to let the amaryllis enter its resting phase.

By late winter or early spring, you can look forward to new buds and another round of beautiful blooms.