In the depths of winter and early spring, the flamboyant blooms of amaryllis (Hippeastrum) are welcome. They’re easy to grow, and take between six to eight weeks to flower. Planted in mid-late September, they should produce their large trumpet flowers for Christmas. The rich red variety ‘Royal Velvet’ is great for decorating your home or to give as a gift:
Like many bulbs, including lilies, all parts of amaryllis are poisonous to cats and dogs, so please grow them in areas they can’t reach.

Like many bulbs, including lilies, all parts of amaryllis are poisonous to cats and dogs, so please grow them in areas they can’t reach.

You Will Need
•Amaryllis bulb
•Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
•20cm diameter pot
•Pot, for soaking

Step 1
Soak the amaryllis bulbs for a few hours to help rehydrate the roots and speed up the growth process.

Step 2
Fill a pot with compost and sit the bulb on top. Don’t use a pot that’s too big: amaryllis do best when pot bound.

Step 3
Top up with compost and water in. Leave in a warm, dark place for a couple of weeks and don’t water further.

Step 4
When a shoot emerges, bring inside to a warm, light spot and water regularly. Expect flowers in six to eight weeks.