What to Do After the Hyacinth Flower Dies
As the brilliant flowers of the hyacinth gradually fade, how can we properly handle it to prolong its life? This bulbous plant that carries the fragrance of spring actually has the potential for a second bloom. Mastering scientific care methods can not only completely preserve the vitality of the bulb but also witness the arrival of a new flowering period.
Elaborate Care Steps for Hyacinth After Blooming
Deadheading and Nutrient Management
Once the flowers have completely wilted, immediately cut the flower stem to 2 cm from the base, leaving the full leaves to continue photosynthesis. At this time, apply a phosphorus-potassium compound fertilizer, dilute it 300 times with water and water the roots weekly for 3 weeks to help the bulb expand. Do not cut the leaves prematurely before they naturally turn yellow, as this is a crucial stage for the bulb to store energy.
Technique for Bulb Dormancy Treatment
When the ambient temperature exceeds 25℃, gradually reduce watering until it stops. After the leaves have completely withered, dig out the bulbs on a sunny day, use a soft-bristle brush to remove the surface soil, and retain the outer healthy scales. Place them in a cool, well-ventilated area to dry for 3 days, then wrap them in slightly moist coconut coir and store them in a net bag in an environment of 5-10℃.
Key Elements to Achieve Hyacinth Reblooming
Selection Criteria for Bulbs
Plump bulbs with a circumference of 12 cm or more have an 80% reblooming rate, while bulbs smaller than 9 cm are recommended to be discarded. Check if the root plate at the bottom of the bulb is intact and eliminate any bulbs with mold spots or soft rot. For hydroponic reblooming, select undamaged bulbs larger than 5 cm in diameter, which can provide sufficient nutrients to support a second bloom.
Reblooming Cultivation Timeline
Perform cold stratification from late October to early November by placing the bulbs in a 5℃ environment for 45 days. For soil cultivation, it is recommended to use a mixture of peat and perlite in a ratio of 3:1, with the top 1/3 of the bulb exposed above the soil surface. For hydroponics, change the water daily, maintaining the water level just touching the root plate.
Reblooming Quality Enhancement Plan
The length of the inflorescence in the second bloom is usually reduced by 30%, which can be improved by extending the lighting to 14 hours a day. Applying a special flower nutrient solution during the bud formation stage can make the flower color more vibrant. Maintaining a day-night temperature difference of 8℃ can effectively extend the blooming period of a single flower to 12-15 days.
Through scientific dormancy management and precise reblooming control, hyacinths can certainly bloom continuously for two years. Although the reblooming results are slightly inferior to the first year, the process of witnessing the cycle of life itself is the unique charm of horticulture. It is recommended to retain high-quality bulbs for 3-4 years and establish a dedicated bulbous root cycle cultivation system.