An amaryllis has its flower already packed inside the bulb. It doesn't need tricking into bloom, like a Christmas cactus does. It just needs a set number of warm weeks to get the flower out, so getting it open for Christmas is a sum.
Get the sum wrong and you get flowers in late November or mid-January. Here's how to get it right, and what to do if it runs early.
01At a glance
- Time to flower: the RHS says six to eight weeks from planting.
- For Christmas: plant between the end of October and the first week of November.
- Running early: move it somewhere cooler to make the flowers last.
- Waxed bulbs: a one-off. Fine as a gift, but not a bargain.
- Pets: amaryllis is toxic to cats and dogs, and the bulb is the most concentrated part.
- Christmas cactus instead? That one runs on cool, dark nights, not the calendar. See why your Christmas cactus won't flower.
02Amaryllis: working back from 25 December
Our bulbs for Christmas guide covers planting, warmth and keeping the bulb for next year. This is the timing.
The RHS says an amaryllis (Hippeastrum) flowers about six to eight weeks after planting. Counting back from Christmas, that means planting between the end of October and the first week of November. Some extension services quote faster times, and NDSU Extension says four to six weeks. Bulbs vary, so earlier is the safer bet.
- Buy the biggest firm bulb you can. NDSU says larger bulbs store more food for more flowers. Squeeze it: no soft or mouldy patches.
- Plant by the first week of November. Leave a good part of the bulb above the compost. The RHS says two-thirds, NDSU a third to a half. Either way, keep the neck and shoulders out of the wet.
- Water sparingly until growth starts. A wet, unrooted bulb rots.
- Turn the pot every few days so the stalk grows straight. Stake large-flowered types, as the RHS advises.
- If it flowers early, move it somewhere cooler. The RHS says 15–18°C makes the flowers last longer. That can carry a mid-December bloom through to Christmas Day.
03Waxed amaryllis, honestly
Wax-dipped bulbs are sold as no-water, no-pot novelties. Iowa State University Extension confirms they need no water or soil, and that stalks emerge in four to six weeks. Its advice afterwards is to discard the bulb.
With no water or soil, the bulb can't rebuild its reserves. Iowa State and NC State describe peeling off the wax and potting it up, but neither promises success. Treat it as a long-lasting bunch of flowers, not a plant.
04Pets and children
The ASPCA lists amaryllis as toxic to cats, dogs and horses, causing vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea, low mood, tummy pain, loss of appetite and tremors. Our amaryllis profile notes that the bulb is the most concentrated part. That matters with waxed bulbs, which often sit at nose height on a coffee table.
If a pet has eaten any part of an amaryllis, take the rest away. Don't try to make them sick, and ring your vet or the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000. It is a paid 24-hour service (£35–£45 a call). If you think a child may have swallowed something harmful, call 999 or go to A&E. Call NHS 111 if you're not sure.
How we checked this
Every care and safety claim on this page is verified against horticultural and veterinary sources.
Sources: RHS — Hippeastrum · NDSU Extension — Amaryllis by Christmas morning · Iowa State University Extension — How do I care for a waxed amaryllis bulb? · Iowa State University Extension — Can I get my waxed amaryllis bulb to rebloom? · NC State Extension — What to do with your wax-dipped amaryllis · ASPCA — Amaryllis · NHS — Poisoning · Animal PoisonLine
Checked 12 October 2026. If our advice ever conflicts with the RHS, believe them and tell us.