How to Host a Christmas Bulb Planting Party

I often forget to plant Christmas bulbs in time for them to bloom over the holidays. I put it on the to-do list then it never seems to happen until mid-December. While I don't mind beautiful amaryllis and paper whites in January, this year I'm trying to get ahead of things and hosted a bulb planting party with a few friends last night. I ordered a mix of South African Amaryllis (bloom in 4-6 weeks!), Dutch Amaryllis (6-8 weeks) and paper whites as well as rocks/soil for the event. Guests brought their own pots (sample text on selecting pots below) and I supplied everything else. Such a nice way to check off a holiday to-do with girlfriends, and any extra bulbs left over will make lovely gifts!  

You can get bulbs at garden centers, Home Depot or even your local grocery store but I must say Van Engelen has marvelous customer service, so if you want to host your own event they can get you the bulbs in just a few days - be sure to email their customer service to confirm delivery dates!

Sample text to help guests with pot selection:

Looking forward to planting bulbs with you tomorrow night! I have a variety of amaryllis bulbs (up to 3 per person) and paper whites for us.

For Amaryllis:
Select a pot that has a drainage hole in the bottom and is at least 6-8 inches deep. Amaryllis bulbs do not need much width to grow (only about an inch of soil between the bulb and the side of the pot), but they get tall and top-heavy — a sturdy pot is essential. You can plant several bulbs in a bigger pot if you like!

For Paper whites:
These look best potted in groups of 5 or more, so please bring a shallow container or two (around 3-4” deep) without a hole.

Please note, both plants are toxic to pets so place them out of reach!

How to Host a Christmas Bulb Planting Party

Supply list:

• Potting Soil (amaryllis or paper whites)
• White rocks (for paper whites)
• Sheet Moss
• Pots (6" with a drainage hole for one amaryllis, no hole needed for paperwhites)
• 2" tape (for taping pot holes temporarily)
• butcher paper (for easy cleanup!)
• Assorted big bowls, platters and scoops for presenting soil/rocks/moss/bulbs
• 1.5" ribbon for decor and 1/2 inch ribbon for tying instructions
• Printed instructions (for guests to take home) & ribbon

How to:

1. Cover your potting table with butcher paper cut to size. This party concept is a bit messy, and the paper will catch any dirt and make clean up a breeze!
2. Transfer your soil, rocks, moss and bulbs into attractive bowls and platters. Scatter down the center of your table. (I kept refills close by for when we started planting.) I wove in a bunch of red satin ribbon to make things feel more festive and colorful. We ate dinner at the same table before planting our bulbs, and the supplies created a beautiful centerpiece while we ate!
3. Roll your printed instructions and tie with ribbon for guests to take home.
4. For planting Amaryllis bulbs: Plant each bulb in a well-draining, cozy pot (about 1" larger in circumference than the bulb) with 25% of the bulb above the soil level to prevent water collection in the sprout. Tamp the soil down firmly. Optional: top with decorative moss around the bulb (still leaving 25% exposed).
5. For planting paperwhites: paper whites may be planted in either pebbles and water, or in soil (a watertight container for pebbles or a pot with drainage for soil). Place the bulbs 1" apart and cover two-thirds of the bulb with stones or cover completely with soil. Add moss to bulbs planted in soil if desired.
6. That's it! Have a fantastic party and enjoy beautiful blooms at Christmas!