Hyacinth flowers delight us with their beautiful flowering and aroma for an average of 2 weeks, and with proper care, you can achieve full bloom from late April to early June. More specifically, hyacinths with blue and purple flowers are the first to bloom, and then pink, red, white, and lilac varieties open. Cream, yellow, and orange hyacinths bloom later than all others.
The duration of hyacinth flowering depends on the variety and weather conditions. If it is warm and humid, then the inflorescence continues to grow even during flowering, adding more and more flowers, thus prolonging the flowering time of the hyacinth. But as soon as the hyacinth fades, a very important stage begins — the growth and formation of the bulb.
What to Do With Outdoor Hyacinth Bulbs After Flowering
After the end of flowering, the stalk must be cut off. This must be done even before the formation of seed pods. Otherwise, they will take away nutrients from the bulb, thereby weakening it. Moreover, Dutch flower growers advise removing flowers from the flower arrow from plants that are 1-2 years old so that they do not take away food from the hyacinth bulbs, because the larger the bulb, the more luxurious the hyacinth inflorescence will be.
Can You Replant Hyacinth Bulbs After Flowering?
Hyacinth bulbs can be left in the soil in one area for 3-4 years. During this time, they increase in size and grow bulblets. In the fifth year of growth, they can be dug up and planted. But Dutch specialists recommend not leaving hyacinth bulbs of erratic varieties in the ground, because after wintering in the garden, hyacinths may not bloom well. It is better to dig up the bulbs, inspect them, sort them out, disinfect them, and send them for storage.
What to Do With Forced Hyacinth Bulbs After Flowering in the Containers
Once the flowers on your hyacinth bulbs have faded, it’s time to do something with them. You have a few different options:
- Discard the bulbs. This is probably the easiest option, but it also means you’ll have to wait until next year to enjoy fresh hyacinth flowers indoors.
- Replant the bulbs in the ground. If you have a garden, this is a great option. The hyacinth bulbs will grow and flower again next year.
- Plant the bulbs in larger containers. This is a good option if you don’t have a garden or if you want to enjoy the flowers for a longer period.
What to Do With Hyacinth Bulbs After Flowering Indoors
The room should have low humidity, and free air circulation is very important. In August, hyacinth bulbs should be planted in the ground for the winter. You can grow a hyacinth at home — in a pot, for example — by a certain date. You can also force blooms in late winter or early spring. After flowering, the leaves will die back and the bulb will go dormant.
There are a few things you can do with hyacinth bulbs after flowering. One is to plant them in the ground outside. Another is to keep them in a pot and wait for them to flower again in the spring.
If you choose to plant them in the ground, you will need to do it before the end of August. Make sure the soil is well-drained and that the bulbs get plenty of sunlight. You can also plant them in a pot, but make sure there is good air circulation. If you choose to leave them in the pot, they will need to be watered regularly.
In either case, make sure the leaves die back before you stop watering. Once the leaves have died, the bulb will go dormant and you can stop watering until the fall. If you live in a cold climate, you may want to store the bulbs in a cool place for the winter.
How to Store Hyacinth Bulbs After Flowering
One of the most important steps in growing hyacinths is the proper storage of hyacinth bulbs. First, dry the purchased or dug-out bulbs well at a temperature of 20-22° C, then free them from the remnants of the soil. The scales under which the bulblets appeared must be separated very carefully. Then the bulbs should be placed in a cooler place, and the temperature must be lowered gradually several times so that by autumn, the hyacinth bulbs are stored at a temperature of 16-18° C.
How to Keep Hyacinth Bulbs After Flowering
There are numerous tips on how to achieve the best results so that your plant will flower even better the next spring. The simplest way is to plant them in the soil again and let them grow. However, if you don’t have a garden or enough space, you can also pot them up. To pot up your hyacinths, use a clay or plastic pot that is at least six inches deep. Fill the pot with fresh potting mix and place the bulbs on top, pointed end up. Cover the bulbs with an inch or two of soil and water thoroughly. Place the pot in a sunny location and keep the soil moist until the flowers die back.
How to Care for Hyacinth Bulbs After Flowering
Once the flowers have died back, you can stop watering the bulbs. Allow them to dry out completely and store them in a cool, dry place until next fall. When it’s time to plant them again, do so in fresh soil and water well. If you choose to pot them up, you can keep them in the same pot or replant them in the garden.
Planting in the Garden in the Early Spring
If you want to replant your hyacinths in the garden, do it early in the spring before the ground thaws. Loosen the soil in the garden with a spade and place the bulbs on top, pointed end up. Cover them with two or three inches of soil and water well. They will grow quickly and bloom in the spring.
Read also What to Do When Daffodils Are Finished Flowering?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hyacinth After Flowering
1. What should I do with hyacinth bulbs after they have finished flowering?
After hyacinths have finished flowering, it’s essential to care for them to ensure they bloom beautifully in the following years. Start by removing the faded flowers but leave the foliage intact. This allows the plant to photosynthesize and store energy in the bulbs. Water them as needed to keep the soil evenly moist, and avoid overwatering, which can lead to bulb rot. Once the leaves turn yellow and wither, usually in late spring or early summer, you can safely cut them back. At this point, you can also carefully dig up the bulbs if you want to divide or replant them. Store the bulbs in a cool, dry place until it’s time to plant them again in the fall.
2. Can I replant hyacinth bulbs immediately after they finish flowering?
It’s best to wait until the foliage of the hyacinth plants has withered and turned yellow before you replant the bulbs. This usually occurs in late spring or early summer. Dig up the bulbs carefully, remove any offsets, and store them in a cool, dry place until the fall planting season. This waiting period allows the bulbs to rejuvenate and store the necessary nutrients to ensure a robust bloom next spring. Planting them too soon can stress the bulbs and may result in poor flowering in the following season.
3. Can I plant new hyacinth bulbs in the same spot where old ones have just finished flowering?
While it’s possible to plant new hyacinth bulbs in the same spot, it’s generally not recommended. Hyacinths, like many other bulbous plants, benefit from a change in location to prevent the build-up of pests and diseases in the soil. If you decide to replant in the same area, make sure to amend the soil with organic matter to improve its quality. However, for the best results, it’s advisable to select a different area of your garden for the new bulbs or rotate the location periodically to maintain soil health.
4. Can I store Holland hyacinth bulbs in the refrigerator after they finish flowering?
Storing hyacinth bulbs in the refrigerator is not recommended. The bulbs require a cool, dry place for their dormancy period, but the typical refrigerator temperatures are often too cold for them and can damage the bulbs. Instead, store the bulbs in a cool, well-ventilated place, like a garage or a cellar, at temperatures between 35°F to 45°F (1°C to 7°C). Keep them in a breathable container like a mesh bag or a cardboard box, ensuring good air circulation to prevent mold or rot.
5. Can I order hyacinth bulbs from your online store?
We’re pleased to offer hyacinth for purchase through our online store. Our selection includes a variety of hyacinth cultivars, each with its unique colors and characteristics. Ordering from us is convenient, and we ensure that you receive high-quality, healthy tubers. Simply browse our store, choose your favorite hyacinth varieties, and follow the easy ordering process to have them delivered to your doorstep, ready for planting.
Published: 04.03.2022