Amaryllis Bulbs

A Bright Burst of Colour for New Brunswick Winters

December 6th, 2025

When the days get short and the temperatures dip below freezing, New Brunswick gardeners start craving colour. That’s exactly why Amaryllis bulbs have become a winter favourite here in the Maritimes. These big, bold blooms brighten kitchens, living rooms, and office windowsills at a time when the garden is fast asleep under a blanket of snow.

Whether you’re a first-time bulb grower or a seasoned plant lover looking for something new, Amaryllis bulbs are one of the easiest and most rewarding indoor plants you can grow through the winter season. Let’s explore what they are, how to care for them, and how to enjoy them long after the flowers fade.

What Is an Amaryllis Bulb &
Why Do Gardeners Love Them?

Amaryllis (botanical name Hippeastrum) is a tropical flowering plant known for producing massive trumpet-shaped blooms in winter. They originate from South America, but here in New Brunswick, we grow them as indoor bulbs—like a little piece of the tropics on your windowsill.

Why They’re So Popular in the Maritimes

They bloom in winter when we need colour most.
They’re easy, even for beginners.
They grow well indoors despite our short winter days.
They make great gifts, especially waxed bulbs.
They come in many colours: deep red, candy-cane striped, white, pink, salmon, double blooms, and more.

Types of Amaryllis You’ll See at Scott’s Nursery

Bare bulbs: You pot them yourself—great if you like a hands-on project.
Pre-planted bulbs: Already potted and ready to grow.
Waxed bulbs: Completely maintenance-free—no soil, no watering, just enjoyment.

For NB gardeners, Amaryllis is the perfect way to bring life inside when the weather outside is… well, very Maritime.

How to Plant and Care for Amaryllis Bulbs

Amaryllis care is surprisingly simple—but knowing the differences between the types of bulbs will help you get the very best blooms.

Bare Bulbs

(Most Traditional Option)

If you love the satisfaction of planting something yourself, bare bulbs are the way to go.

How to Pot a Bare Amaryllis Bulb

Choose a pot 1–2 inches wider than the bulb.

Ensure the pot has good drainage (they hate soggy soil).

Use a light potting mix—adding a bit of perlite helps.

Plant the bulb so the top third stays above the soil.

Water once lightly, then wait to water again until growth begins.

Care Tips

Place in bright, indirect light (south-facing windows are gold in NB winters).

Keep soil only slightly moist. Overwatering = rot.

Rotate the pot regularly so the stem grows straight.

Expect blooms in 6–12 weeks, depending on variety and temperature.

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Pre-Planted/Potted Amaryllis

(Easy & Beginner-Friendly)

These bulbs are already potted for you—just bring them home and enjoy the show.

Care Tips

Keep in bright indirect light.

Water sparingly; the soil should never be wet.

Turn the pot every few days so the stem doesn’t lean.

Great option for kids, seniors, or anyone who wants fast results.

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Waxed Amaryllis Bulbs

(Zero-Maintenance Showstoppers)

Waxed bulbs are the easiest indoor plant you’ll ever own. They’re sealed to contain all the moisture the bulb needs.

Care Tips

Do not water. Ever.

Place in bright, indirect light.

They will bloom once, beautifully, then their cycle ends.

Perfect for gifts, desks, or spots where you don’t want soil.

NB-Specific Tip:

Our homes get dry in winter thanks to electric heat and wood stoves. Check potted Amaryllis more often, but only water when the top inch of soil is dry.

Decorating With Amaryllis

Amaryllis aren’t just fun to grow—they’re stunning décor pieces during the darkest months of the year. Their height, colour, & elegance make them a natural focal point in any room.

Here are some easy, NB-friendly ways to decorate with them:

Holiday & Winter Displays

Place a blooming Amaryllis in a rustic ceramic pot with NB evergreen cuttings around the base.

Try grouping three bulbs at different stages for continuous colour.

Add Maritime touches: driftwood pieces, birch slices, winter berries.

Mantle or Window Displays

Amaryllis look especially striking:

On a kitchen windowsill (where they get the morning sun)

On a mantle with winter greenery

On a sideboard paired with candles or lanterns

Their height adds drama without overwhelming a space.

Waxed Bulb Décor Ideas

Waxed bulbs are perfect for Coffee tables, Office desks, Holiday centrepieces, and Gift baskets

You can pop them into decorative bowls, nestle them into evergreen garlands, or line them along a windowsill for a modern, minimalist look.

Coastal/Maritime-Inspired Styling

To give your Amaryllis a distinctly New Brunswick feel:

Use driftwood or beach pebbles as accents

Place bulbs in blue, teal, or sandy-toned pottery

Pair with soft, natural fabrics like wool or linen

Add a sprig of cedar or fir for a fresh, winter scent

After-Flower Care:
Helping Your Amaryllis Rebloom

An Amaryllis doesn’t have to be a one-and-done plant. With the right care, you can enjoy blooms year after year—even here in New Brunswick’s unique climate. The key is letting the bulb rebuild its energy after flowering.

Step 1: Remove Spent Blooms

Once the flowers fade:

Snip off the flower stalk close to the top of the bulb.
Do not remove the leaves. They feed the bulb.

Leaving the leaves is critical if you want next year’s bloom.

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Step 2: Grow the Leaves Proudly

This is the phase where your bulb recharges.

Guidance:

Give the plant bright light (south-facing windows work best).
Water regularly but moderately—let the top inch dry out first.
Fertilize every 2–4 weeks with an all-purpose houseplant fertilizer.

Think of this stage like refilling the bulb’s “energy bank.”

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Step 3: Summer Vacation (NB Style)

Once the risk of frost is gone—usually late May to early June—move your Amaryllis outdoors.

Outdoor Care Tips:

Start in bright shade for a week, then give it morning sun.
Rain and Maritime humidity help the leaves thrive.
Keep watering when the soil dries slightly.
Continue fertilizing lightly.

A healthy summer = a powerful bloom next winter.

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Step 4: Fall Dormancy

As fall approaches and nights drop toward 10°C, bring your plant inside. Then:

Stop watering.
Let the leaves yellow and die back naturally.
Place the bulb (still in its pot) in a cool, dark spot—around 10–15°C.

Let it rest for 8–10 weeks.

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Step 5: Waking It Back Up

After its nap:

Bring the pot back into the light.
Refresh some of the soil.
Water lightly.
Wait for new growth to start—and enjoy your next round of blooms!

Many NB gardeners repeat this cycle for years with great success.

Tips, Tricks & Common Mistakes

Even though Amaryllis is easy to grow, a few smart tips can make your blooms bigger, sturdier, and more reliable—especially in New Brunswick’s winter conditions.

Tips & Tricks

1. Rotate for Straight Stems

Amaryllis naturally reach toward the sun, so rotate the pot every few days. This prevents the classic “leaning tower” look.

2. Choose the Right Window

NB winters are dim. A south or east-facing window is almost always best.

3. Stake Tall Varieties Early

Large blooms can get heavy. Add a decorative stake or support as soon as the stem appears.

4. Time Holiday Blooms

For Christmas colour, plant bulbs in late October to early November.

5. Bigger Bulb = More Flowers

Larger bulbs can produce more stems—and more blooms.

6. Consider Pet Safety

Amaryllis is toxic to pets, especially cats.

Place out of reach

Avoid areas prone to nibbling

Common Mistakes

1. Overwatering

This is the #1 cause of failure.
If in doubt—don’t water.

2. Not Enough Light

Short NB days + weak winter sun = floppy stems unless placed in a bright spot.

3. Keeping Bulbs Too Cold

If the room drops below 15°C regularly, growth will stall.

4. Ignoring the Post-Bloom Phase

If you cut the leaves or forget to fertilize, the bulb won’t have the energy to bloom again.

5. Expecting Waxed Bulbs to Rebloom Easily

Waxed bulbs are one-season wonders. Some gardeners peel the wax and attempt recovery, but it’s hit-or-miss.

Amaryllis bulbs are one of the easiest ways to bring vibrant, uplifting colour into your New Brunswick home during the long Maritime winter. Whether you’re planting bare bulbs, picking up a ready-to-grow potted one, or enjoying the simplicity of a waxed bulb, they’re a rewarding project for gardeners of every level—from curious beginners to seasoned plant lovers.

With just a bit of light, a careful hand with watering, and some seasonal know-how, your Amaryllis can flourish year after year. And with their dramatic blooms and endless décor possibilities, they’re just as beautiful in a holiday centrepiece as they are brightening a kitchen window in February.

So if you’re looking to try something new this winter—or want to revive a little gardening joy while the snow piles up—give Amaryllis bulbs a try. They’re the perfect reminder that even in the coldest months, there’s always something growing.

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