How to Grow Amaryllis Picotee
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Amaryllis Picotee
Hippeastrum × hybridum 'Picotee'
flowerAmaryllis Picotee is a stunning hybrid amaryllis cultivar featuring large trumpet-shaped flowers with white petals distinctly edged in deep red or crimson, creating a striking bicolor effect. This tender bulb produces tall stems with multiple blooms and strappy green foliage, making it a popular choice for indoor cultivation and ornamental gardening. The dramatic flowers typically appear in spring and are highly prized for cut arrangements and household decoration.
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Example Amaryllis Picotee timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Amaryllis Picotee
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Amaryllis Picotee blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Amaryllis Picotee dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9b-11; grown indoors or in containers in cooler climates
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Get my Amaryllis Picotee timeline →Growth Stages
Dormancy/Pre-growth
8-12 weeksBulb is resting with minimal foliage; stored in cool, dry conditions
Store bulbs in cool (50-60°F), dark location. Reduce watering significantly. Avoid fertilizing during this period.
Sprouting
2-3 weeksFirst shoots and flower buds emerge from bulb; minimal foliage visible
Move bulb to warm location (70°F+) and begin regular watering. Place in bright light immediately. Monitor for early pest activity.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksFlower stems elongate rapidly; strappy green leaves develop alongside flowering stems
Provide bright indirect light and consistent moisture. Support tall stems with stakes or ties. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks. Rotate pot for even growth.
Flowering
2-4 weeks per bloom cycleLarge trumpet-shaped blooms with white petals edged in crimson-red appear; typically 4-6 flowers per stem
Maintain bright light and moderate watering. Support flower stems as blooms are heavy. Remove spent flowers but leave the stem. Enjoy blooms indoors or cut for arrangements.
Post-bloom/Rest
4-8 weeksFlowers fade and drop; foliage remains green; bulb begins energy storage
Continue watering and feeding to build bulb strength for next season. Allow foliage to remain green for 6-8 weeks after last bloom. Gradually reduce watering as foliage yellows naturally.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity; mist foliage regularly; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe
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Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol; apply insecticidal soap; isolate infected plant
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Scrape off manually; treat with horticultural oil or neem oil; monitor regularly
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Inspect bulbs before planting; discard soft or damaged bulbs; maintain good air circulation; apply systemic insecticide if needed
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; remove affected bulb portions; treat with fungicide if caught early; sterilize tools
Uses
Not edible
CulinaryAmaryllis Picotee is toxic and should never be consumed by humans or pets. All parts of the plant contain toxic compounds. [source]
Cut flower arrangements
HouseholdThe dramatic bicolor blooms are stunning in floral arrangements and command attention in vases. Long vase life (10-14 days) and striking visual appeal make them popular for centerpieces, weddings, and special occasions. [source]
Ornamental houseplant
CraftGrown as a decorative potted plant indoors, bringing tropical elegance to homes and offices. The sculptural forms and vibrant blooms serve as living artwork that blooms on cue for holidays or special events. [source]
Forcing and holiday blooming
HouseholdAmaryllis bulbs can be forced to bloom on a specific schedule, making them popular for winter holidays and holiday gift-giving. The predictable flowering timeline allows gardeners to time blooms for Christmas, Valentine's Day, or Easter. [source]
Hummingbird attraction
WildlifeThe large trumpet-shaped flowers attract hummingbirds and pollinators in outdoor garden settings. In zones 9b-11 where hardy amaryllis thrive outdoors, they serve as a food source for hummingbirds during blooming season. [source]
Harvest Tips
Cut flower stems when first buds begin to show color, ideally in the morning. Use sharp, sterile scissors and cut at a 45-degree angle. Remove lower leaves from cut stems and place immediately in fresh, cool water with flower food. Change water every 2-3 days. Indoor potted blooms can remain on the plant for maximum visual impact in living spaces. Cut flowers typically last 10-14 days in a vase.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Amaryllis Picotee gets its name from the French culinary term 'picot' or 'piqué,' referring to the precise, decorative edging or lacing of the petals—in this case, the crisp red-crimson border on white petals.
- 🌱 Despite being called 'Amaryllis' in popular culture, true amaryllis are native to South Africa (genus Amaryllis), while the Hippeastrum hybrids grown indoors are technically 'hippeastrum' or 'hippestrums'—a distinction often lost in commercial naming.
- 🌱 A single amaryllis bulb can produce multiple flower stems over its lifetime with proper care, and mature bulbs may produce 'offsets' or baby bulbs that can be separated and grown into new flowering plants, making them economical long-term investments.
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