October 25, 2026 · 4 min read

When to Plant Amaryllis for Christmas 2026: The 6 to 8 Week Rule and a Care Calendar

Amaryllis bulbs usually flower 6 to 8 weeks after planting, so for blooms on Christmas Day 2026, pot them between late October and mid-November. Here's the timing, how to plant and water them, and a simple care calendar.

Row of assorted small cacti photographed against a plain pale grey wall

An amaryllis in flower on Christmas Day is mostly a matter of counting backwards. Iowa State University Extension says the bulbs usually bloom about six to eight weeks after planting, so late October to mid-November is the window for Christmas 2026. Here's when to plant, how to look after the bulb while it grows, and how to improve your chances of flowers in time.

When to plant for Christmas 2026

Count back six to eight weeks from 25 December:

8 weeks before: about 30 October
6 weeks before: about 13 November

Iowa State University Extension recommends planting in early to mid-November. Crocus suggests the end of October to early November, because the flowers last a couple of weeks and it's better to be early than late. Some UK sources say to start as early as September, so treat the 6 to 8 weeks as a guide, not a guarantee.

Variety matters too. Hortmag notes that South African-grown bulbs tend to flower earlier, while Dutch bulbs often bloom in January or later. Check the expected bloom time on the label when you buy.

Stagger two bulbs to improve your odds

Iowa State suggests potting one bulb in early November and a second one several days later. If the first is early, the second should cover Christmas Day. For example, pot one on 1 November and the next on 8 November.

How to plant an amaryllis bulb

This follows Crocus's advice:

Use a pot just 2–3cm wider than the bulb, about 30cm deep, and heavy enough not to tip over when the tall flower stems grow.
Plant the bulb so that two-thirds of it sits above the compost.
Start it somewhere warm and bright, around 21°C.
Empty the saucer regularly so the bulb never sits in water.

Watering: little at first, more once leaves appear

Crocus advises watering sparingly until the leaves come up. Then water more regularly so the compost stays moist. Too much water before the roots get going is the most common way to rot a bulb.

Once flower buds open, moving the plant somewhere cooler, around 15–18°C, helps the blooms last longer. Support tall stems with twigs or a cane.

A simple care calendar

Planting day (late Oct to mid-Nov): pot the bulb, water it lightly once and put it somewhere warm.
Every 7–10 days until leaves appear: check the compost and water only if it's dry.
After the leaves or bud appear: water when the top of the compost is dry, often once or twice a week indoors.
Flower stem growing: if it leans towards the light, turn the pot every few days, and stake it if it's tall.
Buds open: move it somewhere cooler to make the flowers last.
After flowering: remove faded flowers, cut the stems to about 2cm, and keep watering and feeding for 6–8 weeks so the bulb can flower again next year.

Turning the pot isn't from Crocus. It's common houseplant practice for any stem that bends towards a window.

Frequently asked questions

How long does an amaryllis take to bloom after planting? Usually about 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the variety and temperature.

When should I plant amaryllis to flower at Christmas? Between late October and mid-November. Iowa State Extension suggests early to mid-November.

Is it too late to plant amaryllis in December? No, but it will probably flower in January instead. That's still a welcome sight in midwinter.

How much should I water an amaryllis? Very little until the leaves appear, then enough to keep the compost moist, never soggy.

Can I keep an amaryllis bulb for next year? Yes. After flowering, cut the stems back, keep feeding and watering for 6–8 weeks, and give it a cool rest period before starting it again.

How ReminderIt helps

An amaryllis needs a few small jobs on the right days: planting, a second bulb a week later, and watering checks. ReminderIt calls your phone at the time you choose and sends a WhatsApp message with Done and Snooze buttons.

Message ReminderIt on WhatsApp something like "Remind me on 1 November to plant the amaryllis" or "Remind me every Sunday at 10am to check the amaryllis compost". There's a 7-day free trial with no card, then it's $7/month.