Nothing says “seasons greetings” like brightly colored blooms throughout your home. Holiday bulbs are the perfect way to both easily decorate as well as stun your guests with blazing colors. Blooming bulbs are a bit unassuming at first, but they will reward you with weeks of intrigue and beauty throughout the holiday season. During this time of year, our all-time favorites here at the garden center tend to be amaryllis and paperwhite bulbs.

AMARYLLIS

This striking bloom is a definite must-have this season. Of all flowering bulbs, amaryllis is the easiest to bring to bloom and the very large flowers become a statement piece in the home. This variety of blooming bulbs is available in a variety of colors including various shades of red, white, pink, salmon, orange, and even multicolor varieties. 

Planting Instructions:

• Plant bulbs in potting compost. Bury the bulb in soil up to its ‘neck’, being careful not to damage the roots. Press the soil down firmly to set the bulb securely in place after planting. There should be about ¼ - ⅓ of your bulb sticking out of the soil when planting is completed depending on the size of the bulb. 

PRO TIP: Don’t have a good place to plant in your space? Ask about our planting services in-store at our year-round locations! Our Green Team is happy to help in choosing the right bulb as well as giving your new bulb buddy the right soil and nutrients to start off on the right root. 

PAPERWHITES

Paperwhites are a delicate and elegant bulb variety, perfect for those finishing touches to your holiday decor. These holiday bulbs are the most fragrant of the daffodil family, with a distinctive sweet smell that will permeate your home throughout the season. With their delicate white blooms, they are sure to go with any holiday look. 

Planting Instructions:

• Plant your paperwhites in your favorite potting mix. If your bulbs are already sprouting, make sure to leave the sprouts out of the soil when planting. Unlike large amaryllis bulbs, you can usually fit many paperwhites to one pot, we usually recommend about 3 bulbs per 6-inch pot depending on the size of the bulb.  

Once your holiday bulbs are potted, place them in a warm place with direct light since heat is necessary for the development of the stems. The ideal temperature is 68 to 70 degrees F. Water sparingly until the stem appears, then, as the flower buds and leaves appear, gradually water more. At this point, the stem will grow rapidly and flowers will develop after it has reached full growth. Bulbs will flower in 6-10 weeks after planting as a general rule.

If you're left wondering when to plant these bulbs in order to have them holiday-ready, we've got you covered. Use our handy bloom calendars as a guide below in the attachments.