Can hyacinth survive the winter outdoors?
In early winter, when other flowers gradually enter the dormant period, the colorful hyacinth ushered in the peak growth season. This bulbous plant originating from the Mediterranean coast is popular among gardeners for its unique inflorescences and rich aroma. But in the face of low temperature tests, how to make hyacinth survive the winter safely and continue to bloom? This article will provide an in-depth analysis of its cold resistance characteristics and winter maintenance points. 1. Feasibility analysis of outdoor overwintering of hyacinth 1.1 Regional differences and overwintering methods The cold tolerance threshold of hyacinth is between-5℃ and-10℃, but sustained low temperatures will still cause harm. In the southern region (average winter temperature>0℃), you can try to plant the winter in situ. Choose a planting area with higher terrain and good drainage, and cover it with 5 cm thick pine needles or legumes for insulation. It is recommended to maintain potted plants in the severe cold areas of the north, and enter the house in time when the night temperature falls below-3℃. 1.2 Differences between soil culture and hydroponics management Soil culture plants are more cold-resistant due to soil buffering. It is recommended to use a ratio of peat soil: perlite =3:1 for the substrate. Special attention should be paid to hydroponics plants: When the water temperature is close to 0℃, the water level needs to be reduced to only contact the end of the root system to avoid freezing caused by direct soaking of the bulbs in water. Add 2 drops of anti-freezing nutrient solution (NPK5 -10-5) when changing water every week. 2. Guidelines for Scientific Conservation in Winter 2.1 Light Control Strategies In winter, 4 hours of direct light +6 hours of scattered light are required every day. South-facing window sill is the best choice. In case of continuous rain, it is recommended to use a full-spectrum plant fill light for 2-3 hours a day (30cm away from the plant, and the light intensity is 1500-2000lux). Be careful to turn the pot 180 degrees every 3 days to ensure that the plants grow upright. 2.2 Precise moisture management Soil cultivation and watering follow the "three-look principle": look at the topsoil (drying depth reaches 2 cm), weigh twice (flowerpot becomes 1/3 lighter), and look at the leaf state (leaves are slightly rolled). When watering, slowly inject warm water at 20 ° C along the edge of the pot to avoid getting the bulbs wet. It is recommended to use black containers to protect from light and retain 1/3 of the raw water to maintain balance of the bacterial community when changing water. 2.3 Temperature gradient control creates an ideal temperature difference of 5-12℃: maintaining 12-15℃ during the day to promote growth, and lowering it to 5-8℃ at night to help nutrient accumulation. When maintaining heating rooms in the north, isolation areas can be set up on the window sill and a temperature and humidity meter can be used to monitor in real time. If the temperature exceeds 18℃, ventilation needs to be strengthened, but cold wind should be avoided blowing directly on the plants.
Mastering the essence of these maintenance, even novice gardeners can make hyacinth survive the winter safely. When spring returns to the earth, the carefully cared seed balls will return more gorgeous flower ears. It is recommended to check the status of the seed balls every month and remove mildew scales in time to lay the foundation for resuming flowering in the coming year.