Hyacinth Bulbs

[paulineward]

My favourite winter bulb and smell is the Hyacinth..and each year friends buy them for me - usually in a pot. When they have finished flowering, how best do I keep the bulbs for re-planting and when?

[Hawkwalk]

If they are prepared hyacinth which are for early indoor flowering then discard after flowering. They probably wont flower again but you can always plant them in the garden as see what happens.

If they are outdoor unprepared bulbs which flower in spring then you can either leave them where they are or lift them when the foliage has died down after the sping, dry them out over the summer, keep them in a cool, dark place and re-plant the following autumn.

[Thunderbird+]

Hi Pauline,
I agree, the fragrance takes a lot of beating!
The Hyacinth's produced by nurserymen for indoor use are speially treated and timed to bloom at the optimum time such as Christmas and will hopefully last for 4 - 6 weeks.
Sadly to get them to flower again indoors, in my oppinion usually will result in failure or dissappointment.
They can though be planted outside and will successfully re-adjust to flowering in the spring.
When the flowers have died back and the leaves have withered, cut it back close to the bulb and plant it in the garden at 3 times the depth of the bulb in a spot where you know it will be safe from being disturbed ie under a tree or shrub, I've had them coming up year after year for longer than I care to remember! To maximise their chances, add some bulb fiber when planting, plus a sprinkling of slow reliese fertilizer and plenty of water.
Good Luck Tbird+

[Thunderbird+]

Sorry for the 'cross posting' Hawkwalk, there was no other answer when I started mine but I had an uncanny feeling there would be another by the time I'd finnished. Cheers!

[paulineward]

Thanks Hawkwalk and Thunderbird...will wait for them to finish flowering, and put them in the garden, as advised...nothing to loose! Will let you know in the Spring if they come up!!!! Thanks again.

[WendyS]

I usually plant my hyacinths out into the garden when they'e finished their Christmas flowering, although if you do this you'll find any you plant out after this Christmas won't flower next spring (2007). However, let the foliage die back to give the bulb a rest and you'll probably find they come up quite happily the following year.

[paulineward]

Thanks Wendy...will leave them and see..nothing to loose!