How to care for hyacinths after they bloom
When the brilliant flowers of hyacinths gradually fade, many flower enthusiasts often fall into maintenance misconceptions. As a typical bulbous flower, post-blooming management directly affects the quality of reblooming the following year. Mastering scientific cultivation methods allows the bulbs to accumulate sufficient nutrients for continuous blooming.
Key post-blooming cultivation stage
Deadheading and nutrient management
In late March to early April, when the inflorescence begins to wither, immediately cut the flower stem 2 centimeters from the base. Retain the intact leaves to continue photosynthesis, and supplement with a phosphorus-potassium liquid fertilizer (diluted to 1500 times) every week until the leaves naturally turn yellow. At this point, the diameter of the bulbs can increase by 30%-50%, storing energy for the subsequent dormancy period.
Preparing bulbs for dormancy
In May, after the leaves have completely withered, use a three-step treatment method: ① Trim the withered leaves flat, leaving a 1cm leaf base. ② Dig out the bulbs and remove the surface soil. ③ Soak in a carbendazim solution for 20 minutes to disinfect. After treatment, the bulbs need to be dried in the shade for 48 hours, and when the surface skin turns light brown, it indicates that a protective layer has formed.
Cold treatment for vernalization
Wrap the dry bulbs in newspaper and store them in a 4°C environment for 45 days. This process simulates the winter environment, promoting flower bud differentiation. Ensure that the packaging material is breathable, check the humidity regularly to prevent mildew. Insufficient vernalization can lead to dwarfed flower stems and poor inflorescence development the following year.
Management of the reblooming cultivation cycle
Substrate mixing and planting
In early November, use a mixed substrate of peat soil: perlite: vermiculite in a ratio of 5:3:2, with 3cm of soil covering the top of the bulbs. After planting, place them in an 8-12°C environment to promote root growth, keeping the substrate moist but not waterlogged. When transitioning from hydroponics to soil cultivation, retain the existing roots and add slow-release fertilizer granules to ensure nutrient supply.
Regulation of the growth cycle
During the budding stage, maintain 15 hours of light per day and keep the temperature at 18-22°C. Apply a flower-specific fertilizer every 10 days during the flower stem elongation stage, along with weekly foliar application of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (0.2% concentration). Pay special attention to maintaining a day-night temperature difference of 6-8°C, which can effectively extend the blooming period by 7-10 days.
Through systematic maintenance, even hydroponically grown hyacinths can rebloom every two years. The key lies in the accumulation of nutrients during the dormancy period and temperature control, combined with scientific replanting techniques, allowing this touch of spring color to decorate the windowsill year after year.