Many gardeners enjoy growing hyacinths for their brightly colored, fragrant blooms in spring. Hyacinth bulbs are often sold already “prepared” for forcing indoors over winter. These prepared bulbs have been subjected to a period of cold temperature that tricks them into blooming early when brought indoors and don’t always perform well when planted outdoors. However, it is possible to plant standard hyacinth bulbs in the garden in fall and then dig them up in spring to store for replanting next year.
Can I replant a hyacinth bulb after it blooms?
Yes, you can replant a hyacinth bulb after it blooms. However, it takes some extra care and preparation to get the bulb ready for the next growing season.
Here are the key steps for saving hyacinth bulbs from one year to the next:
- Allow the foliage to die back naturally after blooming. Do not cut off the leaves – the bulb needs the leaves to photosynthesize and store energy for next year’s bloom. Allow the foliage to yellow and die back completely, then dies down completely (typically 4-6 weeks after blooming).
- Dig up the bulbs after the foliage has died back. Carefully loosen the soil and lift out the bulbs. Avoid damaging the root system or basal plate on the bottom of the bulb.
- Remove any dead foliage, but leave the stem attached to the bulb. Allow the bulbs to air dry in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks.
- Inspect the dried bulbs and remove any that are diseased or damaged. Healthy bulbs will be firm and heavy.
- Store the bulbs in a paper bag or mesh sack in a cool (35-45°F), dark place for 2-3 months. This mimics the winter conditions bulbs need to prepare to bloom again.
- In early fall, replant the bulbs in enriched, well-draining soil in a sunny spot. Plant them at the same depth they were previously growing.
Storing the bulbs properly over summer is the key to successfully saving them for replanting. Proper storage gives the bulbs time to recharge and prepare to bloom again the following year.
Where should I store hyacinth bulbs over summer?
Hyacinth bulbs should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry place over the summer after they have finished blooming. Ideal storage conditions include:
- Temperature between 35-45°F.
- A dark location away from light.
- Good air circulation to prevent mold or rot.
- Paper bags or mesh sacks work well for storage containers.
Many gardeners store the bulbs in their refrigerator over summer. The vegetable crisper drawer works well. Keep the bulbs in paper bags in the refrigerator for 12-16 weeks until ready to replant in early fall.
Can hyacinth bulbs be planted outside in the garden?
Yes, hyacinth bulbs can be planted directly in outdoor garden beds in the fall. Here are some tips for growing hyacinths outdoors:
- Plant bulbs in early to mid fall, before the ground freezes.
- Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
- Plant bulbs 4-6 inches deep and 6 inches apart.
- Choose a location sheltered from strong winds.
- Hyacinths grow well when planted near trees, shrubs, and perennials.
- Apply a 2-4 inch layer of mulch over the soil after planting.
- Water regularly in early spring for best bloom.
When planted properly in the garden, hyacinths will bloom in early spring and naturalize over time, coming back every year.
What is the best way to plant hyacinth bulbs for spring blooms?
The keys to successfully planting hyacinth bulbs for spring blooms are:
- Choosing the right planting time and location.
- Planting at the proper depth.
- Providing good drainage.
- Allowing time for root establishment before bloom.
The ideal planting time is in early-mid fall, before the ground freezes. Choose a spot that gets full sun to part sun exposure. Well-draining soil amended with compost is recommended.
Plant the bulbs 4-6 inches deep and space them 4-6 inches apart. Planting depth is important to prevent frost heave. Add a 2-4 inch layer of mulch over the soil after planting.
Water thoroughly after planting and provide 1-2 inches of water weekly in early spring until the blooms appear. This allows time for the roots to become established before the blooming period.
How long do hyacinths last?
Hyacinths typically bloom for 2-3 weeks in spring. Each bulb produces a single flower stalk with a cluster of blooms. The blooming period for hyacinths depends on a few factors:
- Bulb variety – Some hybrids have a longer blooming duration than others.
- Weather conditions – Cool spring temperatures prolong blooming. Hot weather shortens the bloom time.
- Location – Outdoor plants may bloom 2-3 weeks. Indoor forcing bulbs often bloom 1-2 weeks.
When purchasing hyacinth bulbs, you can look for varieties advertised as “long-flowering” which are bred to bloom for a longer period. Proper planting, watering, and care will also maximize the bloom time.
Should you remove hyacinth bulbs after they bloom?
It’s best not to remove hyacinth bulbs right after blooming. The foliage needs time to photosynthesize and store energy back in the bulb for next year’s bloom. Follow these steps for bulb removal:
- Allow foliage to die back completely after blooming, about 4-6 weeks.
- When foliage is yellowed and dried up, you can cut it off at the base.
- Dig up bulbs carefully and allow to air dry for 2-3 weeks in a cool, dark place.
- Store dried bulbs in mesh sack or paper bag in cool (35-45°F), dark place for 12-16 weeks.
- Replant the bulbs in early fall in a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
Forcing the foliage to die back too quickly by cutting it off can damage the bulb. Leaving foliage in place until it naturally yellows allows the bulb to recharge for the next blooming cycle.
Can you plant hyacinth bulbs in containers?
Yes, hyacinth bulbs can be planted in containers and make beautiful container garden displays. Follow these tips for planting hyacinths in containers:
- Use a container with drainage holes at the bottom.
- Use a quality potting mix meant for bulbs.
- Choose smaller bulbs for containers. Larger bulbs may be too crowded.
- Allow 1-2 bulbs per 6-8 inch pot.
- Plant bulbs close to the rim, just covered with soil.
- Place containers in full sun to part sun exposure.
- Water when soil feels dry to the touch.
For a striking display, combine hyacinths with other spring-blooming bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocus in a container. Add annuals or perennials for an attractive mixed planting.
Do hyacinth bulbs need special care after blooming?
Hyacinth bulbs do require some special care after blooming to help prepare them for the next growing season:
- Leave foliage in place – Allow leaves to die back naturally over 4-6 weeks. Do not cut them off.
- Water regularly – Keep soil moist while foliage dies back to nourish the bulb.
- Dig carefully – Lift bulbs from soil without damaging roots or basal plate.
- Dry thoroughly – Cure bulbs in a cool, dry place for 2-3 weeks after digging.
- Check for damage – Inspect cured bulbs and discard any that are diseased or damaged.
- Store properly – Keep bulbs cool (35-45°F), dry and dark for 12-16 weeks.
Taking care of hyacinth bulbs after they bloom ensures they will have enough energy stored to rebloom the following season when replanted in the fall.
Do hyacinths come back every year?
Hyacinths can come back every year if the bulbs are saved and replanted properly after blooming. Some key factors in getting hyacinths to return annually include:
- Choosing bulbs suited to your climate. Some hybrids are not cold hardy enough to perennialize.
- Providing well-drained soil and a sunny to partly shady location.
- Allowing foliage to die back naturally after blooming to nourish bulbs.
- Digging up bulbs carefully and storing them properly before replanting in fall.
- Replanting bulbs at correct depth and spacing for good growth.
- Covering bulbs with mulch over winter if planting in cold climates.
With proper care, common hyacinth varieties like ‘Blue Jacket’, ‘Carnegie’, and ‘City of Haarlem’ can provide years of enjoyment in the garden when their bulbs are saved seasonally.
Conclusion
Saving hyacinth bulbs from season to season takes some extra time and care, but allows you to enjoy their flowers year after year. The keys are providing aftercare for the bulb when foliage dies back, drying and storing the bulbs properly over summer, and replanting them correctly in the fall. With the right storage conditions and planting practices, stored hyacinth bulbs will return to bloom again beautifully in your garden.
