While the dark days of winter still linger, indoor bulbs like amaryllis are a welcome sight, brightening up interiors and bringing hope for spring days ahead. These blooms typically last for two or three weeks, but don't take its fading flowers as a sign to throw the plant away. If you learn how to store amaryllis bulbs correctly, you can replant them for spectacular blooms again next year – and every year after.
It's a key, yet often neglected, stage of growing amaryllis bulbs, but after an amaryllis blooms you can put the bulbs in secure storage. Really, all you need to do is provide a cool, dry, and dark spot for your bulbs to rest in until it's time to plant them again in fall for another display that lasts through winter.
Improper storage could see your bulbs rotting or shriveling, making them less viable for replanting. But don't worry, here a gardening expert shares just five steps to properly store amaryllis bulbs – she guarantees they'll put on a magnificent display once again if you do this.
5 Easy Steps to Store Amaryllis Bulbs Safely
If you already know how to store bulbs, amaryllis is not much different.
The key is getting the location right to ensure the bulbs stays packed away securely and healthily for reliable replanting.
Here, Lindsey Chastain, gardening expert and founder at The Waddle and Cluck, shares her five easy steps to store amaryllis bulbs correctly.
1. Allow the Foliage to Fade Naturally
After your amaryllis has finished flowering, you should still be left with healthy green foliage. If you haven't already, deadhead the spent blooms with clean pruning snips, like these ones from Amazon.
'At this point, stop watering the amaryllis and let the leaves naturally wither,' says Lindsey. 'This starts the dormancy process,' she explains.
Removing the foliage too early can sabotage your amaryllis' ability to bloom again next year.
The green leaves still have plenty of photosynthesis to perform before fading, storing important energy in the bulb for reblooming. That's why it's crucial to place the plant somewhere bright and allow it to dieback in its own time, usually taking a few months.
'When the leaves are then completely brown, not yellow, trim the stem down to about 2" above the bulb,' Lindsey advises.
2. Gently Clean the Bulb of Dirt
With the bulbs now not actively growing, you can remove it from its pot.
'I like to dig a lot wider than I think the base of the bulb is to make sure I don't hit it with my spade,' Lindsey says.
It's important to then clean up the bulb as much as possible, without wetting it.
'You don't need to clean it perfectly, but brush off as much dirt as you can without damaging the bulb,' Lindsey advises. 'I've found a dustpan brush, like this from Walmart, works amazingly well,' she adds.
You can also use plant brushes, like these from Amazon, with soft bristles that gently remove dirt without damage.
3. Place the Bulb in a Dry, Ventilated Vessel
How to store amaryllis bulbs is much like how to store other bulbs, Lindsey notes. You need a storage container that is secure, dry, and has ventilation to prevent fungal diseases.
'I like to use milk crates,' Lindsey says.
These pine wooden crates from Amazon are also a good choice, where the slats provide airflow. You'll need to use something like woodchips or newspaper to pack them in, keeping them cool and providing some moisture retention, so they don't dry up and shrivel.
'I put a layer of cardboard with air holes between each layer of bulbs. You don't want to put too many bulbs per row,' says Lindsey. 'You should also discard any bulbs that are mushy,' she adds.
4. Keep the Bulb in a Dark, Cool Location
You can now choose the location in which your amaryllis bulbs are going to rest. It needs to be somewhere dark, cool, and dry.
'I use a garage closet,' Lindsey notes.
Other good locations include an unheated basement or a shed.
'Don't put them anywhere where the temps will drop below freezing,' Lindsey warns. 'Really, 40-55°F is ideal,' she adds.
Temperatures warmer than this can dehydrate bulbs or disrupt dormancy and cause premature regrowth. Likewise, temperatures lower than this can result in frost damage and even rot.
You might find a room thermometer, like this one on Amazon, is useful to keep nearby and monitor the room temperature for your bulbs.
5. Check on Your Amaryllis Bulb
Lindsey notes you should keep your amaryllis bulbs stored like this for 8-12 weeks, as this is the required dormancy time for these bulbs to rebloom just as vibrantly as before.
In the meantime, you should check on your stored bulbs about once a month.
Look for clues of rodent damage, excess moisture, and dehydration.
'Remove anything that has become mushy,' Lindsey says. This will stop fungal issues and mold spreading to firm, healthy bulbs.
You can also put some precautionary measures in place to stop rodents getting to your bulbs. For example, you can use spices to deter pests or even this pack of essential oils from Amazon.
FAQs
How Long do Amaryllis Bulbs Take to Bloom?
Typically, amaryllis bulbs take 6-10 weeks to bloom after being planted. If you're looking to force these indoor bulbs for Christmas, you should think about getting them out of storage and planted around late September into October.
As we head into spring, you might also want to prepare for storing your tulip bulbs, though you should first read our guide to what to do with tulips after they bloom.
Amaryllis Accessories
Use this amaryllis bulbs vase to force bulbs indoors in water. It's a sturdy, elegant glass, designed to fit an amaryllis bulb perfectly.
