Amaryllis and Paperwhite Planting Guide

Looking for a simple way to brighten up your home with glorious color this winter? While your outdoor garden rests under a blanket of snow, Amaryllis and Paperwhite bulbs make it easy to enjoy beautiful blooms indoors. Both are easy to grow, require minimal care, and bring a touch of cheer during the coldest months of the year.

Paperwhites

Paperwhites are fragrant, fast-growing bulbs that bloom within just a few weeks of planting. Their pure white flowers and delicate scent make them a favorite for windowsills and tabletops during the holidays and beyond.

You can grow paperwhites two ways - either in decorative pebbles or in potting soil.

Planting in Pebbles

Choose a shallow container with no drainage holes. Fill the bottom with a layer of pebbles or decorative stones, then position the bulbs with the pointed ends facing up. Add more pebbles around the bulbs to keep them in place, leaving the top half exposed. Carefully pour in water so the level reaches halfway up the bulbs - just enough to keep the roots moist, but not so high that the bulbs sit in standing water. Refill as needed as the water evaporates.

Planting in Potting Soil

For a more traditional approach, fill a bulb pan or pot with drainage holes with 1-2 inches of quality potting soil. Place the bulbs close together - almost touching - with their pointed ends up. Cover them with more soil so that only the top half of each bulb remains visible. Water thoroughly and keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Paperwhites prefer bright, indirect light and will bloom in about 3-5 weeks.

Amaryllis

Amaryllis bulbs are known for their spectacular, trumpet-shaped blooms in shades of red, pink, white, and striped combinations. Each bulb can produce multiple flower stalks, creating a stunning display that lasts for weeks.

To plant an amaryllis, select a pot with drainage holes that's about 1-2 inches wider than the bulb. Fill the bottom third of the pot with potting soil, then place the bulb pointed end up so that about one-third of the bulb remains above the soil line. Fill in around the sides with soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly. Place the pot in a warm, bright spot and water sparingly until growth appears - then increase watering as the leaves and flower stalks develop.

Once your amaryllis begins to bloom, you can move it to a slightly cooler location to prolong flowering. After the blooms fade, allow the foliage to continue growing so the bulb can store energy for next year's display.

Bringing the Garden Indoors

Both amaryllis and paperwhites make thoughtful gifts and elegant additions to your winter decor. Their vibrant colors and graceful blooms serve as a joyful reminder that spring isn't far away - and that with a little care, beauty can flourish even in the heart of winter.