Bright light is good, but direct rays can lower the quality of the flowers. Under good conditions, amaryllis flowers retain quality for about two weeks. Remove the flower stalk 2 inches above the neck of the bulb once the blooms have withered, but leave the straplike foliage to grow. You can continue to grow the holiday amaryllis in its container or transplant the bulb into the garden, with half of the bulb above the soil in a fertile, well-draining bed, ideally with morning sun and afternoon shade. Wait to leave amaryllis outdoors until April, when there is no threat of frost.
Some gardeners simply sink the bulb, pot and all, into a raised bed.
The roots will eventually grow into the bed. Should harsh weather hit, the pot can be lifted and the bulb moved temporarily to a protected area. While those roots in the garden bed will be torn, those within the container will not be damaged. Amaryllis need a year to acclimate in the garden. Then the bulbs will begin a natural spring-flowering period.