The flamboyant blooms of amaryllis (
Hippeastrum) are a stunning sight that’s all the more welcome in the depths of winter and early spring. They’re easy to grow, and take between six to eight weeks to flower. Planted in mid- to late September, they should be in flower for Christmas.
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Like many bulbs, including lilies, all parts of amaryllis are poisonous to cats and dogs, so it’s a good idea to grow them in areas they can’t reach.
How to grow amaryllis
Soak the amaryllis bulbs for a few hours to help rehydrate the roots and speed up the growth process. Fill a pot with compost and sit the bulb on top – don’t use a pot that’s too big: amaryllis do best when pot bound. Top up with compost and water well. Leave your amaryllis bulb in a warm, dark place for a couple of weeks and and then bring inside when a shoot emerges. Expect flowers in six to eight weeks.