When is the best time to plant hyacinth bulbs?

Hyacinth is a plant loved by many flower lovers. When it blooms, the flowers hang in clusters, shaped like small bells, and emit a charming fragrance. Hyacinths are not only beautiful, but also easy to grow. Let’s learn and understand when is the best time to plant hyacinth bulbs ?

When is the best time to plant hyacinth bulbs?

Hyacinth bulbs are best planted in the autumn, usually between September and early November. This time period is crucial as it allows the bulbs to establish roots in the warm soil and go through a cold dormant period during the winter. This dormant period will encourage early spring growth, resulting in beautiful blooms in the spring, usually in March-April.

How to grow hyacinth?

When hydroponically growing hyacinths, controlling the amount of water is crucial. There should not be too much water in the container. At least one to two centimeters of roots at the bottom of the pseudobulb should be exposed above the water surface to ensure that the roots can breathe smoothly. Doing this will not only help prevent root rot, but will also promote healthy growth of flower stems, which will greatly benefit the blooming of flowers. On the contrary, if the water level is too high and the pseudobulbs are submerged in water, it will not only increase the risk of root rot, but may also inhibit the growth rate of hyacinth, causing the flower stems to be slender and fragile, the flowers to not open fully or the flowers to be smaller. For hyacinths grown in soil, you should also avoid burying the pseudobulbs completely in the soil. It is recommended to bury one-third to one-half of the pseudobulbs, allowing part of the pseudobulbs to remain on the soil surface.

Hyacinths need plenty of light. When hyacinths begin to form flower buds, they need at least six hours of sunlight a day to ensure smooth growth of the flower stems and full development of the buds. Adequate light can make the flowers fuller and the fragrance stronger. Without enough light, the buds may become weak, the flowers small and the fragrance weak. In addition, the flower stems may become too long, causing the plant to fall over, affecting the growth of the flowers and their overall ornamental value. If you find that the growth of flower stems is hindered, you can provide six hours of light during the day and place the hyacinth in a well-ventilated cardboard box for the rest of the time. The flower stems will grow normally in about a week.

Hyacinths prefer cool environments. The most suitable temperature range for its flowering is 15 to 18 degrees Celsius. Too high temperatures can cause flower stems to grow rapidly, shortening the flowering period. Too low temperature will slow down the growth of flower stems and affect the opening of flowers. After the first flower blooms, the daily lighting time should be reduced to less than five hours, and the hyacinth can be placed in an environment with diffuse light, which will help prolong the flowering period. Avoid direct exposure to strong sunlight at noon, and choose to get adequate sun exposure in the morning or afternoon when the light is weaker. If the pseudobulb is large, it should be cut off promptly after the first flower withers, exposed to more sunlight, and applied with appropriate amounts of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, which may encourage the growth of a second flower stalk and continue to bloom.

Hyacinths are highly phototropic and require the pot to be rotated regularly to ensure that the plant receives even light. If the flower stem is not rotated for a long time, it may tilt to one side, causing the plant to fall over after flowering, affecting the normal opening and development of the flowers. During the maintenance process, the size of the flower buds should be observed frequently. If the flower buds on one side are found to be smaller, they can be turned to the light side to promote their balanced growth. In case of continuous rainy weather or insufficient light at home, you can use incandescent lamps to supplement the light for hyacinths to prevent excessive growth and incomplete development of flower buds.

Finally, for soil-grown hyacinths, don't rush to discard them after the flowers fade. Continue to fertilize and maintain to allow the bulbs to grow fully. When the leaves turn yellow in June and July, dig out the bulbs, dry them and store them at low temperatures so that the hyacinths can bloom again next year.

In general, it is best to plant hyacinth bulbs in autumn, as this is the most suitable time for their growth. In addition, pay attention to the good methods of hyacinth maintenance so that the flowers will be numerous and beautiful.