Amaryllis Peacock

1 Bulb

Amaryllis Peacock, commonly sold as Hippeastrum ‘Blossom Peacock’, is an elegant double-flowered amaryllis. It produces large, fully double blooms, generally white with attractive pink to red edging and shading. The flowers can reach around 17 cm or more, and the flowering stems can reach approximately 45–55 cm. Large bulbs may produce multiple flower stems.

It is excellent for containers, indoor displays and cut flowers. In the Gulf, growing it in a container is especially useful because you can control its exposure to intense heat.

🌱 Best Planting Time

For the Gulf region:

• Gulf area: September–February
• Kuwait: October–January
• Best period in Kuwait: October–December
• Plant during the cooler part of the year and avoid starting bulbs during extreme summer heat.

Amaryllis can flower approximately 6–10 weeks after planting, depending on the bulb, temperature and growing conditions.

🌿 How to Plant the Bulb

1. Choose a healthy, firm bulb without soft or rotten areas.
2. Use a pot with good drainage holes.
3. Choose a pot only slightly wider than the bulb; a pot around 15–20 cm wide is generally suitable for one large bulb.
4. Fill the pot with a loose, well-draining growing mix.
5. Place the bulb with the pointed growing tip facing upward.
6. Cover the roots and lower part of the bulb with soil, but leave approximately the upper one-third to one-half of the bulb above the soil surface.
7. Press the soil gently around the bulb.
8. Water lightly after planting and allow excess water to drain completely.

Important: Do not bury the entire bulb. Keeping the upper portion exposed helps reduce the risk of bulb rot.

🪴 Recommended Soil Mix

Use a light, fertile and very well-drained mixture, for example:

• 50% quality potting soil
• 25% compost or well-rotted organic matter
• 25% perlite, pumice or coarse horticultural grit

The most important point in Gulf conditions is excellent drainage. Amaryllis bulbs are sensitive to prolonged waterlogging.

🌡️ Sprouting and Early Growth

After planting, roots develop first, followed by the flower stalk and/or leaves.

• Keep the bulb in a warm, bright location.
• Water sparingly until visible growth begins.
• Once the shoot appears, gradually increase watering.
• Rotate the pot regularly because the flower stalk naturally grows toward the light.
• A tall flower stalk may need a small support stake.

☀️ Sunlight

Amaryllis grows well in bright light to full sun or partial shade.

For the Gulf:

• Give it bright morning sunlight.
• Protect it from intense afternoon sun during very hot weather.
• A bright balcony, shaded patio or bright indoor location can work well.
• Avoid placing the pot against hot metal, concrete or glass during extreme heat.

💧 Watering

• Water lightly after planting.
• Before sprouting, allow the upper part of the soil to dry somewhat between waterings.
• Once active growth begins, water more regularly.
• Always allow excess water to drain away.
• Never leave the pot sitting in water.
• Reduce watering after flowering as the plant begins preparing for dormancy.

🌿 Fertilizing

Once leaves or active growth appear:

• Use a balanced bulb or flowering-plant fertilizer at a light rate.
• Feed regularly during active leaf growth according to the fertilizer label.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen because it can encourage leaves at the expense of flowering.
• Stop or greatly reduce feeding when the plant enters its resting period.

🌸 Flowering

‘Blossom Peacock’ is known for its large, double, peony-like flowers. The blooms are predominantly white with pink-red edging and shading and can be slightly fragrant. Depending on bulb size and growing conditions, a bulb may produce several flower stems.

After flowering:

• Remove faded flowers.
• Cut the flower stalk after flowering is finished, but keep healthy green leaves.
• Continue caring for the leaves so the bulb can rebuild its energy for the next season.
• Gradually reduce watering as the foliage naturally yellows and dies back.

😴 Resting Period

Amaryllis needs a period of rest before another flowering cycle.

When the foliage has naturally turned yellow/brown:

• Reduce watering significantly.
• Remove completely dried leaves.
• Keep the bulb in a dry, protected location.
• Avoid extreme Gulf heat while the bulb is resting.
• Resume watering when you are ready to start a new growth cycle.

🔥 Gulf Climate Tips

• Kuwait: October–December is a practical planting window.
• Use containers so the bulbs can be moved when temperatures become extreme.
• Protect the plant from intense afternoon heat.
• Keep the bulb well above waterlogged soil.
• Good airflow helps reduce fungal and bulb problems.
• During extreme summer temperatures, keep dormant bulbs in a protected, dry location.
• If you want flowers at a particular time, stagger plantings by approximately 2 weeks.

🌱 Growing Tip: For Kuwait, plant Amaryllis Peacock in October–December, leaving about one-third to one-half of the bulb above the soil, and keep it in bright morning light with protection from intense afternoon heat.