Amaryllis Planting Calendar: Seasonal Guide for Indoor and Outdoor Growth
The amaryllis planting calendar helps you grow these stunning blooms exactly when you want them to flower. Whether you're planning for Christmas decor or spring color, amaryllis is one of the most flexible and rewarding bulbs for both indoor and outdoor gardening.
In this guide, we’ll explain the best times to plant amaryllis indoors and outdoors across different parts of Europe. With the right timing, you can enjoy spectacular blooms any time of year.
When to Plant Amaryllis Bulbs Indoors
Indoor planting allows you to control bloom time, which is why amaryllis is so popular across Europe — from the cold north to the Mediterranean south. Depending on when you want your flowers to bloom, follow one of these three indoor planting schedules:
- October–November planting for Christmas blooms: Planting amaryllis bulbs in early to mid-autumn is ideal for achieving dramatic flowering in time for the holidays. This is the classic choice for winter table centerpieces and festive home décor. Use this schedule if you want to enjoy flowers by late December.
- December–January planting for late winter flowering: If you're aiming for beautiful blooms in February or March, plant your amaryllis after Christmas. This is a great option to brighten the post-holiday season and keep your indoor garden colorful during the darkest months.
- February–March planting for spring flowering: For blooms in late spring, plan to plant your bulbs in late winter. This schedule is ideal if you're combining amaryllis with other spring indoor plants or want fresh flowers into April and May.
Each of these planting times works well across Europe, regardless of climate, since you’ll be growing the bulbs in a controlled indoor environment. For full planting instructions, see our how to plant amaryllis guide.
When to Plant Amaryllis Bulbs Outdoors in Europe
Outdoor planting of amaryllis bulbs in Europe is only recommended in USDA zones 9–10, which correspond to the warmest parts of southern Europe — such as coastal areas of Spain, Italy, Greece, and southern Portugal. In these climates, the soil warms early in spring and winters are mild enough to support in-ground growth.
The ideal time to plant amaryllis bulbs outdoors in these regions is from April onwards, once the risk of frost has passed and the ground temperature stays above 10°C. Planting at this time allows the bulbs to establish roots and begin their growth cycle during the warmer months.
In cooler regions of Europe (zones 6–8), it’s best to plant amaryllis in pots. This way, they can be moved indoors during colder weather or overwintered in a frost-free area. Bulbs left outdoors in cold climates are at risk of freezing and rotting.
Even in southern zones, it’s essential to choose a sheltered, sunny spot with well-drained soil to ensure healthy development and flowering.
Explore premium bulbs for both indoor and outdoor planting in our amaryllis collection.
Month-by-Month Amaryllis Planting and Care Overview
Use this amaryllis planting calendar to plan your care routine throughout the year. The needs of your plant will vary based on the season, region, and whether it’s grown indoors or outside:
- January–February: Your amaryllis may be in full bloom if planted in autumn. Alternatively, this is a great time to start bulbs for early spring flowering indoors.
- March–April: Active leaf growth occurs now for indoor plants. In zones 9–10, this is the time to transplant amaryllis outdoors after the soil warms. Resume feeding and watering as new growth appears.
- May–June: Expect vibrant flowering from bulbs planted in winter. Maintain regular watering and begin monthly feeding to support blooms and foliage development.
- July–August: Flowering finishes and foliage begins to fade. This is the start of the dormancy period. Reduce watering and stop fertilizing to allow the bulb to rest.
- September: Remove dried leaves and prepare for replanting. Repot bulbs that have finished dormancy or store them in a cool, dry place if you’re waiting until later in autumn to plant.
- October–December: This is the best time to plant amaryllis indoors for Christmas or winter blooming. Keep bulbs in a warm, bright place to stimulate sprouting.
Adapt this schedule to match whether your amaryllis is grown indoors or in the garden — and always protect outdoor bulbs from frost.
Understanding the Amaryllis Blooming Season
The amaryllis blooming season is highly flexible, which makes this plant ideal for timed indoor displays. On average, amaryllis flowers 6–8 weeks after planting. This means you can control when it blooms by adjusting the planting date.
In general, amaryllis can be made to bloom any time between October and May, depending on your schedule and preferences. Many gardeners choose to plant bulbs in October or November for flowering during the Christmas holidays. Others prefer January or February planting for cheerful late winter or early spring blooms.
Several factors influence the exact blooming time:
- Temperature: Warmer environments (20–24 °C) encourage quicker growth.
- Light: Bright, indirect light supports healthy sprouting and flowering.
- Variety: Some amaryllis cultivars naturally bloom faster or later than others.
To successfully time the flowering, always count back 6–8 weeks from your desired bloom period, and plant accordingly.
Learn more about how this tropical beauty behaves in our what is amaryllis article.
Seasonal Amaryllis Care: What to Do and When
Caring for amaryllis throughout the year ensures repeated blooming and long bulb life. Here’s a seasonal breakdown to guide you:
- Spring
After flowering ends, cut back faded flower stalks but leave the green leaves to grow. Start monthly feeding with a balanced fertilizer to replenish the bulb’s energy.
- Summer
As the foliage naturally dies back, gradually stop watering. Let the bulb enter a dormant phase by keeping it in a cool, dry spot. Do not fertilize during this period.
- Autumn
Check bulbs for firmness and rot. This is the ideal time to repot or replant dormant bulbs. Resume watering lightly once you see new shoots emerging.
- Winter
Provide ample light and water moderately once growth begins. Keep the plant in a warm, bright space (ideally 20–24 °C). Amaryllis care in winter is mostly focused on maintaining ideal growing conditions for flowering.
Year-round attention ensures your amaryllis continues to thrive, bloom, and brighten up your space. Read our seasonal guide on how to treat amaryllis wilt for tips on troubleshooting.
Conclusion: Amaryllis Blooms on Your Schedule
Thanks to the flexible amaryllis planting calendar, you can enjoy stunning blooms exactly when you want them. Whether you're planning for a festive Christmas display, a burst of color in early spring, or a cheerful surprise in late winter, amaryllis adapts beautifully to your timeline. The key lies in choosing high-quality bulbs, timing your planting correctly, and providing consistent post-planting care. Since amaryllis typically blooms 6–8 weeks after planting, a little forethought allows you to enjoy its dramatic flowers almost any time between October and May.
This flexibility makes amaryllis one of the most rewarding bulbs for indoor growing in Europe. Try planting bulbs in batches, spaced 1–2 weeks apart, to create a stunning succession of flowers. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, following the right planting schedule ensures vibrant results.
Shop Amaryllis Bulbs by Planting Season
Ready to bring color into your home or garden? Explore our handpicked collections of amaryllis bulbs categorized by the ideal planting season — autumn, winter, or spring. Each set is carefully curated to help you achieve lush blooms at the perfect time. Want flowers for Christmas? Choose bulbs suited for October or early November planting. Planning for spring blooms? We’ve got options that thrive when planted in January or February.
Our premium amaryllis selections include both classic and unique varieties, perfect for indoor containers, winter décor, or seasonal gifts. Plant them now for a burst of color that transforms any space. Each collection comes with expert guidance to ensure successful planting and stunning flowering results.
No matter the month, there’s a perfect time to start. Select the bulbs that match your blooming goals and bring the magic of amaryllis to life on your schedule.
FAQs About Amaryllis Planting Time
Can I plant amaryllis bulbs all year round?
While amaryllis bulbs can technically be planted any time of year indoors, most gardeners prefer doing so from October through March to align with the natural blooming cycle. Outdoor planting is limited to warmer climates. Proper storage is important if you're not planting right away — keep bulbs in a cool, dry spot.
When should I plant for Christmas blooming?
To enjoy blooms right around Christmas, plant your amaryllis bulbs in late October to early November. Since flowering takes about 6–8 weeks after planting, this timing works best for a festive holiday display. Be sure to place them in a bright, warm location for optimal development.
Can I plant outdoor amaryllis in Germany or Poland?
Due to cold winters, planting amaryllis outdoors in Germany or Poland isn’t advised. These countries fall into USDA zones 6–7, where frost can damage bulbs. Instead, grow amaryllis in pots and move them indoors during winter months. This method allows full control of blooming cycles and protection from cold.
What’s the latest I can plant amaryllis in winter?
You can plant amaryllis bulbs indoors as late as March or even early April. However, for indoor blooming during winter, December through February is ideal. Planting later will delay blooms into spring. Make sure the bulb is firm and healthy before planting for best results.
How to time multiple bulbs for staggered blooming?
For continuous blooms, plant several amaryllis bulbs at 1–2 week intervals. This staggered schedule lets you enjoy flowering from December through April. Use the same care routine for each group, and plan based on the 6–8 week average bloom time after planting.