How to plant hyacinths
An article that provides a detailed introduction to the topic of how to plant hyacinths and sharing the correct care methods for hyacinths, related to the cultivation of flowering plants. Let's learn about it together.
Hyacinths belong to the hyacinth family and are perennials with bulbous roots, also known as Dutch iris, common garden iris, multiflora iris, and seasonal brocade, among others. Hyacinth plants are low and neat, with elegant inflorescences, rich flower colors, and beautiful flower postures. They are one of the famous bulbous flowers that bloom in early spring and are also important pot plants. Suitable for decorating flower beds and planters, they can also be used as cut flowers, potted plants, or for hydroponic viewing.
Hyacinth bulbs are spherical or oblate, with a membranous outer skin that is purplish blue or white, with the skin color positively correlated with the flower color. Unopened bulbs resemble garlic. Leaves are 4-9, narrow and lanceolate, fleshy, base-growing, thick, and strap-shaped with shallow longitudinal grooves, green and glossy. The flower stem is fleshy, the scape is 15-45 cm tall, hollow, with a raceme at the top; small flowers are 10-20, dense at the top, mostly growing horizontally, rarely drooping, funnel-shaped, with a tubular perianth, upper four-lobed, corolla funnel-shaped, base of the tube longer, lobes 5, recurved on the outer side. Based on their flower color, they can be roughly divided into eight strains: blue, pink, white, pale yellow, purple, yellow, crimson, and red. The original species is light purple with a fragrance. The fruit is a capsule. The flowering period is early spring, with a natural flowering period from March to April.
Hyacinths are native to southern Europe and South Africa, with strong adaptability, preferring sunny and cold-resistant conditions, suitable for growing in cool and humid environments and loose, fertile sandy soil, avoiding waterlogging. They thrive in environments that are warm and humid in winter, slightly dry and cool in summer, with sufficient sunlight or semi-shade. They prefer fertile soil with good drainage and can be planted in the ground or in pots.
I. Propagation methods of hyacinths: The main method of propagating hyacinths is by dividing bulbs. In June, after digging up the bulbs, separate the large bulbs from the small ones. "Large bulbs planted in autumn can bloom in early spring the following year, while small bulbs need to be cultivated for three years to bloom. Due to the low natural division rate of hyacinths, generally, only 1-2 small bulbs are produced by the mother plant after one year of planting. Plant hyacinths every October, deeply plow the field where hyacinths are planted, apply sufficient base fertilizer, plant in furrows, usually with a row spacing of 20-25 cm and a plant spacing of 10 cm. After planting, cover the soil with 12-15 cm of soil, with the thickness of the covering soil being 2-3 times the size of the bulb.
II. Potting: Use a mixture of loam, leaf mold, and fine sand as a nutrient-rich soil. Generally, one bulb is planted in a pot with a diameter of 10 cm, and 2-3 bulbs in a pot with a diameter of 15 cm. Then, bury the pot in the soil, cover it with 10-15 cm of soil, and after 7-8 weeks, when the sprouts reach more than 10 cm, remove the covering soil to allow sunlight. Planting in October-November usually results in flowering in March. If you want hyacinths to bloom around New Year's Day and the Spring Festival, the bulbs need to be stored in a cool place. Plant in early September to allow hyacinths to fully develop roots, and after about two months, when they start to sprout, move the pot to an indoor environment with a temperature of 10-20°C, which can make hyacinths bloom around New Year's Day and the Spring Festival.
III. Management: Fertilize hyacinths once before and after sprouting and flowering. During cultivation, the moisture management of hyacinths should be moist but not dry, as excessive dryness can severely affect root development and leaf growth, especially when grown in well-drained sandy loam soil, where daily watering is necessary. Hyacinths need sufficient sunlight for the first two months after planting to promote root growth and development, and after leaves sprout, they should be moved to a shaded area for care. After the flower bud sprouts, move it to a sunny area to promote thick and sturdy flower stems and bright and colorful flowers. After the flowers fade, cut them off in time to promote bulb development. In June, when the leaves turn yellow, dig up the bulbs, dry them in the shade, and store them in a well-ventilated indoor area.
The above introduction on how to plant hyacinths and share the correct care methods for hyacinths is hoped to be helpful to you. Don't forget to check out more experience and knowledge!