Monty Don reveals crucial care tips to make your amaryllis bloom again

In a recent December gardening blog, Monty Don, a renowned TV gardening expert, shared essential tips for maintaining amaryllis plants to encourage reblooming. Amaryllis, known for its vibrant colors and festive appeal, are popular choices for holiday decorations. The process of caring for amaryllis begins with selecting the right container and planting the large bulbs at the appropriate time to ensure flowering in early spring. According to Monty, the container should not be excessively large, as more compost can result in an abundance of leaves at the expense of flowers. He strongly advises that the bulb should be half submerged in well-drained potting compost to promote healthy growth and bloom production. Once planted, care for amaryllis requires minimal effort; however, achieving blooming poses a particular challenge. Monty emphasizes that the plants must be kept in a consistently warm environment, ideally between 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, to trigger growth after a dormant phase. If the plants are kept in the dark, such as within an airing cupboard, it is crucial to maintain the warmth. After noticeable growth commences, the plants can be transitioned to a brighter area, which should also be as warm as possible. As tropical plants, amaryllis flowers are particularly sensitive to cold temperatures, which can hinder their growth significantly. Monty stresses the importance of regular watering and recommends using a general tomato feed every 10 days to ensure adequate nutrition during this vital growth phase. Once the blooms on the initial stem start to wilt, owners may cut the stem back to the bulb, which often facilitates the development of another stem capable of producing flowers. This cyclical care allows for repeated blooming, offering joy and color in subsequent seasons. For those desiring their amaryllis to rebloom in time for Christmas, Monty recommends starting the dormancy process between mid-September and mid-October. This pause in growth prepares the plant for a future flowering phase. The ideal time to bring the plants out of storage is typically around mid to late November, which is about six to eight weeks after the dormancy period commences. Upon entering dormancy, the reblooming process can vary, taking anywhere from 10 to 14 weeks, depending on environmental factors such as nutrient availability, temperature, and lighting conditions. By following Monty’s guidelines closely, enthusiasts can enjoy the splendor of amaryllis blooms during the festive season and beyond.