Last Updated on April 29, 2023 by Griselda M.
Hyacinths are a beautiful and easily recognizable flower characterized by their impressive blooms in a broad range of colors, including traditional purple and blue. Like many other flowers, the hyacinth grows from bulbs that are traditionally planted in the ground. Unlike other plants, however, the hyacinth thrives when exposed to cooler temperatures and insane amounts of moisture, allowing for the possibility of flowering in water.
When a hyacinth is flowered in water, the blooms grow rapidly and have brighter healthier colors. The plants can then also be grown whenever the gardener desires without having to wait for the external temperatures to change to suit traditional growth patterns. The downside is what can be done with the hyacinth bulbs after the period of growth has ended.
What To Do With The Hyacinth Bulbs
Unfortunately, gardeners do not have many options once they choose to flower their hyacinth bulbs in water. The process can generate beautiful blooms, but also saps the bulbs of energy and nutrients, resulting in flowers that can no longer grow. For many, the only option available is to throw away the bulbs once the flowering in water is finished, as they will not bloom again no matter how much you fertilize.
If you are adamant about attempting to force another season of flowers, move the bulbs to cold storage at a temperature between 40 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-16 weeks. You can then repeat the flowering process. Sometimes the bulbs will grow new blooms, but they will not be vibrant and are likely to die early. Gardeners and horticulturists have not yet invented a way to preserve the bulbs any further.
What Is Flowering In Water?
Many people have heard of the practice of flowering hyacinth bulbs in water, also called forcing. During this process, pre-chilled bulbs are suspended in bulb vases, also called forcing jars. These forcing jars have an opening at the top, a thin neck, and then a wide base to be filled with water. The hyacinth bulb sits in the top section where it receives only a little bit of water. The roots then dangle into the rest of the jar and are submerged in water.
The hyacinth is left in a cool, dark place until the flower starts to bloom. Once the flowers emerged, gardeners are encouraged to transfer the jar to a location where the temperature is between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This new location allows for faster growth. Once the blooms grow some more, the hyacinth can be transferred to another space, this time one that gets up to 65 or 70 degrees Fahrenheit with plenty of sunlight.
When flowered in water, hyacinth blooms will typically last for four weeks before they begin to wilt. Once the flower dies, the bulb has been depleted of its hydration and its resources and is unlikely to survive another planting.
The Growing Method To Preserve Bulbs
Individuals who want to grow hyacinth bulbs with a method that will preserve the original bulb should eschew the water version and instead plant their flowers in pots with regular soil. Gardeners should still keep the bulbs cool until they sprout, and the hyacinths can then be moved to a warmer environment. However, the bulb will be surrounded by several inches of nutritious soil and will be watered on a regular basis, allowing the bulb to replenish its nutrients and survive storage.
Anyone who plants hyacinths in regular soil should choose a brand that is of average strength and density, meaning it has the nutrients of a temperate zone and allows for some water drainage during planting. Hyacinths do not need to be planted deeply and can survive with around 4-5 in. of soil. Just make sure the bulb is covered but not smothered by the surrounding dirt. When possible, choose a terracotta pot and plant accordingly.
How To Store Hyacinth Bulbs After Flowering
Once they grow in ideal conditions and not forced, the hyacinth bulbs can be stored until the next season. It’s important not to remove the bulbs from the soil until they are ready, though, as taking them too early can leave them sapped of nutrients and unable to bloom for another year.
After the blooms have started to fade and die for the year, cut them away. Leave the leaves behind, as these are essential for storing moisture and nutrients. Continue to water the bulb as usual and wait for the leaves to start to brown. This step can occur after several days or even several weeks. Once browning begins, reduce your watering by half. Once the leaves are completely deceased, stop watering and wait for the soil to dry.
After the soil dries, it’s time to remove the bulbs. The next step will be curing. There is little a gardener has to do besides clean off dead foliage and growth from the hyacinth bulbs and let them rest in a newspaper for three days in a cool, dark place. After three days, transfer the bulbs to a comfortable mesh bag and keep them in the same cool and dark location.
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The hyacinth bulbs are now ready to bloom for another year. They can either be grown in the traditional style in soil or can be forced. Just remember that forced bulbs will be unlikely to bloom again.
Hyacinth Bulb In Water
Hyacinth bulbs can be preserved, but only when grown in the proper conditions. Because flowering in water, also called forcing, removes nutritious soil from the growing occasion, the hyacinths grown using this method often leave bulbs that cannot be cured or saved. These bulbs should instead be thrown away, and the gardener will need to buy new ones.
Anyone who does want to preserve hyacinth bulbs from one season to the next should instead follow the traditional growing method. While this means there may be some limitations on the ideal growing situation, and the flowers might take longer to bloom, the plant will be healthier overall and will survive for another season.
FAQ’s
Can indoor hyacinth bulbs be used again?
Hyacinth bulbs can be used again after flowering. They can be transplanted to the garden and they will flower again in the following years.
You can force Hyacinth bulbs to grow early for indoor display during winter.
Plant them with the tips showing in soil-based potting mix. Use containers with drainage holes for best results.
Keep them in a dark place where temperatures are above freezing but not higher than 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow them at least 10 weeks for the roots to develop.
When the shoots reach about an inch long, increase the light and temperature gradually.
Water your plants well avoiding water-logging the soil or wetting the shoots. Soil should remain moist but not wet.
Do hyacinths multiply?
Hyacinths multiply very shyly. After flowering, you can check around the bulb for new shoots. If you leave the new shoots for too long, they tend to be absorbed into the parent bulb. The parent bulb just gets bigger and stores more energy from the new shoots.
During spring small bulbs are sprouting only that some don’t make it past the soil cover. The best time to dig them up is during the dormant season and replanting them in the fall.
Can you leave hyacinth bulbs in pots?
If you leave hyacinth bulbs in pots and give them the right growing conditions, they will sprout and begin growing. But there is a way you can keep them from growing if you don’t want them to grow yet.
You keep the bulbs from sprouting by:
- Covering the pot with grocery paper sacks or black plastic trash bags – will keep them from light.
- Place the covered pot in a cold place like a basement, unheated garage, etc. for 12-14 weeks
- Keep the pots away from light during the chilling period to prevent the bulbs from sprouting early.
- Regulate the temperature to remain 35-45 degrees Fahrenheit
How many years do hyacinths last?
Hyacinths are believed to be short-lived lasting about 3-4 years.
Most people treat them as tender perennials and replace them yearly due to decline.
If your hyacinths have already finished flowering, go ahead and cut off the flower spikes. This prevents them from putting any energy into making the seeds. Leave all the foliage intact as this will feed the plant’s bulb in the coming year.
Move the pot outside or to a sunny spot and keep it well watered.
Provide the plant with a fortnight feed of liquid seaweed to help the bulb form.
When all the foliage dies back, at least 6 weeks after flowering, lift the bulbs from the pot and store them in a dry, dark area for repotting.
Or leave them to grow to ensure they have the right growing conditions.
Do hyacinths need sun or shade?
Hyacinths prefer well-drained fertile soil and full sun for them to thrive. They also tolerate partial shade for one short time but they bloom less when left there for long. Sun is always Hyacinth’s best friend!
FAQs
How do you take care of a hyacinth bulb in water?
The hyacinth is a popular flower that we often see in stores and on our tables for special occasions. The plant needs to be taken care of properly in order to grow and bloom.
Hyacinth bulbs grow in water and they need to be trimmed in the summer when they outgrow their container. Otherwise, they will break and rot.
Here are some tips to ensure that it will bloom.
1. Place the bulb in a pot filled with water, but do not submerge it.
2. Place the pot near a window or other light source for 12 hours per day.
3. Place the pot in an area where it will be at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius).
4. Keep your hands off of the leaves and flowers as much as possible, only touching them when you need to move them or water them; otherwise they will end up wilting or looking unhealthy due to over-touching and lack of nutrients from natural sunlight and water flow."
What should I do with my hyacinth after it blooms in water?
Some people like to cut the stem of the hyacinth and place it in a vase with water. Some people like to leave the blooming hyacinth in water and wait for it to die. And some people like to cut the stem of the hyacinth and dry it out, then plant it back into dirt or soil.
Keep it in a cool, dark place to ensure that the plant stays fresh.
Can you leave hyacinth bulbs in water?
Hyacinth bulbs are a type of plant that can be left in water as long as you want. They will not rot or fall apart if they are left in water. In fact, this technique is often used by those who grow them from seed to keep the soil moist and warm.
In many cases, the top of the bulb is cut off so it can continue to grow roots and develop a stem.
How do water hyacinths reproduce?
The water hyacinth is a perennial aquatic plant that is native to the tropical Americas. Its common name in English comes from its superficial resemblance to the true hyacinth flower.
Water hyacinths reproduce by releasing spores into the water. These spores can then grow into new plants on objects that are in or near the water, such as rocks, piling logs, and other vegetation. The plant can also spread through parts of its long root system which grows up from underneath the surface of the water and shoots out shoots on top of it.
Tony Manhart is a passionate gardener who has been tending to gardens for over 20 years. He takes pride in creating beautiful outdoor spaces with plants, trees, and shrubs that can thrive in any environment. He loves to share his knowledge with others and has taught classes on gardening basics and advanced techniques. He is committed to sustainability, using natural and organic methods to create and maintain gardens. He also works with local organizations to create green spaces for communities. When he’s not gardening, Tony enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with his family.
