Hyacinths are very popular with lovers of bulb flowers. They are categorized as perennials. These plants come back every spring. The Hyacinths can be planted indoors or outdoors. But they do well when exposed to warm weather outdoors.
But there is a category of Hyacinths that does well during winter. This plant blooms when it is chilled. The best results of growing Hyacinths require that you follow a few steps.
Steps On How To Grow The Hyacinth Plant
Step 1: Outsource the hyacinth bulbs
It is essential first to identify where to get the Hyacinths bulbs. The source should be a garden shop. They are the most preferred because they are taken care of.
Sourcing the Hyacinths from the wild is not recommended. They are known to die when the bulbs are transplanted.
Most shops sell Hyacinths in bundles. The best to buy are the prechilled type. They are cheaper than the already chilled bulbs.
It is essential to pack them prechilled bulbs appropriately after purchase. Transportation should also be considered to avoid damage.
Step 2: Cool the hyacinth bulbs
When you get the bulbs, it is now time to cool them. The Hyacinths bulbs need cooling to develop the root system. This is achieved between 12 and 14 weeks.
This is important before growing them. It helps with proper growth with minimal risks of failure.
The Hyacinths bulbs must be stored properly. It is recommended to store them in dark areas. The recommended temperatures are not more than 45º and not below 35º Fahrenheit. Outdoor sheds are the most popular locations that Hyacinths do well.
Some gardens use the fridge to store the Hyacinths bulbs. But this requires extra caution. The risk of Hyacinth bulbs rotting is high when in the refrigerator. This is especially when mixed with some fruits that produce ethylene gas.
It is essential to separate the bulbs from such fruits. It is also important to avoid freezing temperatures because it can damage the bulbs.
Step 3: Select A Container To Grow The Hyacinth Bulbs
Once they are fully chilled, it is time to start growing them. This process has to start with selecting the container. Suitable containers for Hyacinth bulbs are vases. They can also be grown in jars.
The preference for vases is because of the shape. It gives adequate room for the rooting of bulbs. It is also the correct shape to accommodate the bulbs. The neck shape holds the Hyacinth bulbs above the water.
The lower part of the vase accommodates the roots. These have been found to be the best containers for the full blooming of Hyacinth bulbs.
Step 4: Select Add water to a container
The next step is to add water to the container. The container should have enough water before the Hyacinth bulbs are placed. The water should not touch the Hyacinth bulbs. It should be up to the root level. Exposing the Hyacinth bulbs to water can cause rotting.
That is why it is crucial to consider the container to be used. The Hyacinth bulbs should be allowed to sit comfortably above the water. The water levels should also give adequate room for the roots to grow.
It is recommended that you add aquarium charcoal to the water. This is considered suitable for keeping the water clear and clean.
A tablespoon (15 milliliters) is regarded as a good measure of the aquarium charcoal. But this has to depend on the container’s size and water level.
Step 5: Place your bulb
It is now time to place the Hyacinth bulbs in the container. Ensure that you handle the bulbs with gloves.
This prevents any damage to the bulb. It also contains any possibility of skin irritation. The bulb should be placed well above the container.
The root end of the Hyacinth bulbs should face down. Remember that the Hyacinth bulbs should not touch the water.
A container change can be done when the bulb size cannot be accommodated. As the roots touch water, they start supporting the blooming process.
Some gardeners may want to grow and use Hyacinth bulbs later in the year. Planting the Hyacinth bulbs in potting mix is recommended for such. The bulbs in the soil mix are better used than those in water.
Step 6: Bloom the Hyacinth
The next step is to check on the blooming process. It is good to check the conditions for the Hyacinth bulbs to bloom faster. Cool and dark places are ideal for Hyacinth blooming. Areas with temperatures that average 40º are recommended.
The bulbs should be kept cool for at least four weeks. This is considered enough time for root growth. The spreading roots are the primary determinant of how faster the bulbs will bloom. Sometimes it may require moving the jars or vases containing the bulbs.
Always avoid storing the bulbs in places that risk excessive rot. Changing the water at least twice per week is also recommended. The idea is to keep the water in the container as fresh as possible. It provides the best conditions for the bulbs to bloom.
Do hyacinths come back every year?
Whether the hyacinths come back every year is a concern for many gardeners. Actually the same questions is asked of flowers such as the Susan vine.
There is a preference for plants that can be planted all season. Just like the honeysuckle flower plant, Hyacinths are considered perennial plants. They are regarded as coming back mainly during the spring.
The Hyacinth bulbs in panting zones are suitable for reuse. They can remain in the ground for a whole year. The proper time to dig these bulbs is during the fall.
Then the bulbs can be refrigerated for storage. This is mainly for areas that experience temperatures above 60°F.
Is Hyacinth an indoor or outdoor plant?
Knowing the best locations for growing your Hyacinth bulbs is also essential. The bulbs can be planted indoors or outdoors.
The decision squarely falls on the individual choice. The only requirement is to ensure that appropriate conditions for blooming ate provided.
Experts advise that Hyacinth bulbs do better indoors when placed in vases or pots. The idea is to keep them chilled for faster blooming.
That is why winter is considered better for growing Hyacinth bulbs. The indoor is better than the outdoor because of the controlled temperatures.
The color and the fragrance have also prompted many gardeners to grow Hyacinths indoors. They are a beauty, especially when they bloom.
They brighten a home, especially during winter. It is also easier to care for the Hyacinth bulbs when they are indoors.
What to do with the Hyacinth after it blooms?
It is also necessary for you to know what you should do when the Hyacinth bulbs blooms. This is because proper care, if necessary, to maintain their health. The care provided is determined by where the Hyacinth bulbs were planted.
The Hyacinth bulbs in containers are the easiest to handle and provide care. But the challenge is when the bulbs are mixed with other plants in the container. You should remove the faded flower spikes as the initial care steps.
The next step should be to dig up the bulbs. It would help if you were careful to separate the damaged bulbs. After proper selection, it is time to dry the bulbs.
The bulbs can then be stored for later use. Placing dry sacks in a cool, dry place is the proper way to store them.
Do hyacinth bulbs spread?
Hyacinth bulbs spread as they bloom. This is especially true for the bulbs planted in the soil. Those planted in the water do not spread. As the bulbs spread, it is essential to provide extra care. This includes ensuring that there is enough space.
Experts advise gardeners to leave the Hyacinth bulbs for 3 to 4 years. This is enough time for spreading. But the gardener should check for any signs of flowering. It indicates that the bulbs have grown to mature and need to be harvested.
What month do hyacinths bloom?
There are no specific months that Hyacinth bulbs can be grown. But March and April have been viewed as appropriate months for Hyacinth blooming.
The weather during these months is favorable. It provides a cool and chilled environment for faster blooming.
Do hyacinths like sun or shade?
It is considered appropriate to plant Hyacinth bulbs in full sun. This is after you have chilled the bulbs in colder temperatures. The sun allows the Hyacinth bulbs to flower quickly. But it is also necessary to give the Hyacinth bulbs some shade.
Therefore, learning more about growing Hyacinth bulbs is necessary for gardeners. It is not among the common plants that are grown. Knowing the proper way of doing it is recommended for excellent results.
