Can You Transplant Amaryllis That Have Been Forced to Bloom?

After Bloom Care

• Once blooming has finished, the amaryllis bulb must replenish its energy. Removing the spent flowers diverts energy and nutrients to the bulb, so leave the foliage in place so it can continue to absorb sunlight. Keep the potted forced bulb indoors and provide it with bright, all-day sun. Water the soil when the top 1/2 inch feels dry. Watering the amaryllis every two weeks with a solution of 1/2 teaspoon 24-8-16 fertilizer mixed with 1 gallon of water provides nutrition to replenish the bulb for later transplanting.

Site Preparation

• Choose a place for your amaryllis that gets at least six hours of sun each day. The soil must drain well for amaryllis to thrive after transplanting, otherwise the bulb may suffer from rot after transplanting. Avoid areas with standing water or overly wet soil. You can improve drainage by mixing a 2-inch layer of compost into the top 6 to 8 inches of the site. Working 1/2 pound of 6-12-12 slow-release fertilizer into every 50 square feet of bed improves soil fertility.

Transplanting

• Transplant a forced amaryllis outdoors in spring after frost danger has passed. The top one-third of the bulb must sit above the soil surface after transplanting. If you are moving several bulbs outdoors, space them about 12 inches apart in all directions. After transplanting, water the bed until the top 6 inches of soil feel moist. A 1- to 2-inch layer of mulch prevents weeds from growing too closely to the bulbs and conserves moisture, but pull the mulch back so it doesn't rest against the bulbs.

Basic Care

• Although forced amaryllis bloom in winter, those transplanted to the garden revert to their normal bloom cycle and flower in spring or early summer. Amaryllis benefits from watering when the top 1 inch of soil dries out. Provide enough water to just moisten the top 6 inches of soil. After flowering, trim back the bloom stalks. Cut back foliage only after it dies back naturally. A spring application of 1/2 pound 6-12-12 fertilizer per 50 square feet of bed provides sufficient nutrients. Sprinkle the fertilizer on the soil 6 inches from the bulbs and water after application so the fertilizer dissolves into the soil.