November 8, 2023
Brighten Up Your Holiday Season with Amaryllis and Paperwhites
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, many of us look for ways to bring a little warmth and color indoors. Two of our favorite ways to do that? Amaryllis and paperwhites. These festive winter bulbs are simple to grow, bursting into beautiful blooms just when you need them most. Their timing couldn’t be better—start them now, and you’ll have fresh flowers for the holidays!
Both amaryllis and paperwhites take about 6–10 weeks to bloom, so early November is the perfect time to plant. Here’s how to get them growing and glowing in time for Christmas.
When to Plant
For Christmas blooms, start your bulbs in early November. If you’re aiming for flowers in January or February, simply stagger your planting—plant a few bulbs each week for continuous color through winter!
Amaryllis: The Holiday Showstopper
With its bold, trumpet-shaped flowers and rich color palette—from classic Christmas red to creamy white and soft pink—amaryllis makes a statement anywhere you place it. Best of all, it’s easy to grow indoors with just a little care:
1. Potting and Soil:
Choose a pot that’s about an inch wider than your bulb, with drainage holes. Fill it with well-draining potting mix and set the bulb so that the top third is above the soil line.
2. Watering and Light:
Place your pot in a warm, sunny spot. Water sparingly at first—just enough to keep the soil lightly moist. Once growth begins, increase watering a bit, but never let it stay soggy. Too much water can cause the bulb to rot.
Soon, you’ll have tall stems topped with stunning blooms that last for weeks—sometimes even into the New Year!
Amaryllis Care Guide Waxed Amaryllis Care Guide
Paperwhites: Fragrant Delights for the Holidays
Vertical photo of paper white narcissus flowers.
Paperwhites (Narcissus) are beloved for their sweet, citrusy fragrance and delicate white blooms. They’re also incredibly easy to grow, no soil required!
1. Getting Started:
Fill a clear vase or bowl with pebbles or marbles. Nestle your bulbs on top, pointed ends up, and add water until it just touches the bottom of the bulbs.
2. Light and Temperature:
Keep them in bright, indirect light and at room temperature (around 65–70°F). Within a few weeks, you’ll have graceful stems and clusters of star-shaped flowers.
To keep the blooms from growing too tall and top-heavy, move the vase to a slightly cooler spot once they’ve sprouted.
Tips for Beautiful Blooms
- Avoid harsh sunlight: Bright light is best, but too much direct sun can scorch leaves.
- Add humidity: A light misting helps prevent drying in winter’s indoor air.
- Tidy up: Once flowers fade, remove them so the plant can focus on bulb growth.
Festive Gift Ideas
Amaryllis and paperwhites make wonderful holiday gifts—thoughtful, personal, and full of life.
- Host gifts: Present a potted bulb with a festive ribbon or tag.
- DIY décor: Create your own centerpiece by pairing bulbs with evergreens, pinecones, or ornaments.
- Gift baskets: Combine bulbs, gardening gloves, and seasonal treats for a charming custom gift.
Embrace the joy of indoor gardening this holiday season and fill your home with the warmth, color, and fragrance of amaryllis and paperwhites. These easy, elegant blooms are sure to brighten even the grayest winter day.
Visit any of Mahoney’s seven locations to explore our festive selection of winter bulbs and start growing your own holiday magic!