Hyacinth bulbs are a popular choice for gardeners seeking colorful and fragrant blooms in their gardens each spring. Many wonder if it’s possible to keep these bulbs for the following year in order to enjoy their beauty once again. The good news is that with the proper care and storage, hyacinth bulbs can indeed be saved for the next year and continue to produce vibrant flowers for several seasons.
Storing Hyacinth Bulbs for Next Year
Digging up and Preparing the Bulbs
After the hyacinth blooms have passed, properly dig up the bulbs to ensure they retain enough energy for future growth. Start by cutting off the blossom stalk to prevent energy waste on seed production. Proceed to gently remove the bulbs from the soil, taking care to keep them intact. Brush off any loose soil and allow the bulbs to dry in a shaded area for a few days.
Selecting the Right Storage Conditions
It is vital to store hyacinth bulbs in a cool, dry, and dark place where the temperature ranges from 60 to 65°F, as it encourages air circulation around the bulbs [source]. Consider using a basement with low humidity and no direct sunlight for storage. To facilitate the chilling process required for proper blooming, store the bulbs in a temperature range of 35 to 48 degrees Fahrenheit for a minimum of 13 weeks [source]. For enhanced protection, cover the bulbs with dry peat moss or vermiculite, ensuring they don’t overlap [source].
Replanting Hyacinth Bulbs
Using hyacinth bulbs for more than one year requires proper replanting techniques and care to maintain a beautiful bloom each season.
When to Plant
It is crucial to replant hyacinth bulbs at the right time. Once the blooms have faded, cut off the blossom stalk to conserve the plant’s energy. Allow the foliage to turn yellow and wither, as it gathers sunlight to store energy for future blooms (Bloomaker).
Proper Soil Preparation
Preparing the soil correctly is vital for hyacinth bulb replanting. The soil should be well-draining and fertile, as hyacinth bulbs prefer a rich and moist environment. Adding organic matter like compost to the soil can improve its fertility, allowing hyacinth bulbs to thrive and produce vibrant blooms.
Planting Techniques
When replanting hyacinth bulbs, ensure that they are placed at the appropriate depth for their size, usually 5-6 inches deep, with the pointed end facing upward. Space the bulbs out, leaving 3-4 inches between them for optimal growth. Proper planting techniques help maintain the health of the bulbs, increasing the chances of a successful bloom the following year.
Additionally, don’t forget to store hyacinth bulbs in cool temperatures, between 40 and 45 degrees, for 12 weeks or more before replanting (Bunny’s Garden). This chilling period helps to force the bulbs to produce beautiful blooms when moved to a warmer climate.
Caring for Hyacinth Bulbs
Hyacinth bulbs should be cared for properly to ensure their reuse for the next year. Begin by deadheading the flowers once most of them turn brown, which involves cutting off the entire flower stalk[source]. Maintaining the right temperature and moisture levels is crucial for the bulbs’ development[source].
After the hyacinths have finished flowering outdoors, you may dig up the bulbs for storage. It’s essential to do so at the right time, ensuring the bulbs have enough energy for sprouting later[source]. In warmer climates where temperatures do not drop below 60°F, lift the bulbs in fall, following which they should be refrigerated for 6-8 weeks[source].
For hyacinths grown indoors, their care after flowering involves a period of dormancy lasting 8-12 weeks. During this time, the leaves will wither, and the plant will require minimal attention[source].
Common Problems and Solutions
One common issue faced when trying to keep hyacinth bulbs for next year is the improper storage of bulbs after the blooming period. To address this, firstly, remove the faded flower spike after blooming and let the foliage die back naturally (DutchGrown) . Next, carefully dig up the bulb and remove any dead foliage, then cure the bulbs by laying them on a newspaper in a cool, dark place for three days (Gardening Know How).
Another challenge involves ensuring that the bulbs bloom in successive years. To increase the chances of successful reflowering, trim the stalk as soon as the flower fades but leave the foliage until it becomes yellow. This occurs in about six to eight weeks after blooming (Gardening Know How). Additionally, it is recommended to store hyacinth bulbs in a breathable paper or cloth bag in the refrigerator for four to six weeks prior to replanting (SF Gate).
Helpful Video
My name is Daniel Elrod, and I have been houseplant love ever since I was 17. I love how much joy they bring to any room in the home. I’ve always been amazed at how a few pots of flowing leaves can turn a drab and sterile office into an inviting place where people love to work at.
