RECOMMENDED USDA GROWING ZONES: 9–11 OUTDOORS
1. Choose a container and location
Choose a sturdy container with drainage holes that is only slightly wider than the bulb. Amaryllis perform well when somewhat snug in their pots, and an oversized container can hold excess moisture around the roots.
Place the planted bulb in a warm location with bright light. Once active growth begins, plenty of light will help produce strong, upright stems. Picasso typically grows approximately 18–24 inches tall, although height varies with growing conditions.
2. Prepare and plant the bulb
Fill the container with a well-drained potting mix. Position the bulb with its roots spreading downward and leave approximately the upper third to half of the bulb exposed above the soil surface.
Firm the potting mix gently around the bulb without compacting it heavily. The bulb should sit securely enough that the developing flower stalk does not cause it to lean.
Water lightly after planting to settle the potting mix around the roots.
3. Water carefully as growth begins
Amaryllis bulbs contain substantial stored energy and require very little water before active growth appears. Keep the potting mix only lightly moist during this stage rather than repeatedly watering a dormant bulb.
Once the flower stalk and leaves begin growing, water more regularly. Allow the top inch of potting mix to begin drying between waterings, and always allow excess water to drain from the container.
Avoid allowing the bulb to sit in standing water. Overwatering—particularly before strong root and shoot growth begins—is one of the easiest ways to damage an Amaryllis bulb.
4. Encourage strong flowering
Keep the plant in a warm room with bright light while the flower stalk develops. Rotate the container periodically so the rapidly growing stalk does not lean strongly toward the light.
Picasso produces distinctive white flowers outlined by fine red to pink-red edges, often accompanied by delicate red speckling and a green throat. Some flowers may also develop a subtle reddish blush on portions of the petals. These markings are a normal characteristic of the cultivar. Amaryllis & Caladium Bulb Company
Once the flowers begin opening, moving the plant away from intense direct sunlight and excessive heat can help the blossoms remain attractive longer.
5. Care for the bulb after flowering
As individual flowers fade, remove them to prevent unnecessary seed development. Once an entire flower stalk has finished blooming, cut the stalk back near the bulb while leaving all healthy green foliage intact.
Continue growing the leaves in bright light and water whenever the upper potting mix begins to dry. The foliage replenishes the bulb's stored energy and is essential if you want to encourage another flowering cycle.
During active leafy growth, a balanced houseplant fertilizer approximately once a month can help support the bulb. Do not remove the foliage until it naturally begins to yellow or the bulb is deliberately being prepared for dormancy.
To encourage reblooming indoors, allow the bulb a cool, dark rest period of approximately 8–10 weeks after its growing period. Reduce watering as dormancy begins. After the rest period, return the bulb to warmth and bright light and resume careful watering to begin another growth cycle.
Growing Picasso White Amaryllis outdoors:
In approximately USDA Zones 9–11, Amaryllis can be grown outdoors as a perennial where freezing conditions are limited. Choose a well-drained location with sun or partial shade and protect the bulb from persistently wet soil.
In colder climates, keep Picasso Amaryllis as an indoor/container plant or move containers outdoors only after frost danger has passed. Bring the bulb back into protected conditions before freezing weather.
Safety:
Amaryllis bulbs and other plant parts are harmful if ingested, particularly in larger quantities. Keep bulbs away from children and pets that may chew or consume them.
