How to care for hyacinths after the flowers fade
As the brilliant pyramidal inflorescence of hyacinths gradually fades, many gardening enthusiasts face the same dilemma: do these bulbs have a second life after blooming? This article will analyze the full process of caring for hyacinths after flowering from a professional perspective and reveal the key techniques for achieving reblooming the following year.
The three-part post-bloom care routine for hyacinths
Precise pruning operation guide
After the flowers have completely wilted, retain a 5-7 cm flower stem and make a 45-degree oblique cut, which can block nutrient consumption and prevent water accumulation at the cut. Retain healthy leaves to continue photosynthesis, which is the key energy source for rejuvenating the bulbs. When the leaf tips start to turn yellow, it indicates that the plant has entered the nutrient regression stage.
Scientific bulb treatment process
After the aerial parts have completely withered, use disinfected gardening shears to clean up the dead leaves. When carefully digging up the bulbs, keep the outer protective skin and retain 2-3 cm of roots to facilitate germination the following year. Soak in a carbendazim solution for 20 minutes, then place in a cool, well-ventilated area to dry for 3-5 days.
Smart storage solution
It is recommended to use a net bag hanging method for storage, maintaining an environmental temperature of 10-15°C and humidity of 40%-60%. Regularly check the status of the bulbs every month, and immediately treat any mildewed areas with alcohol wipes. In dry northern regions, vermiculite can be used to wrap for preservation, while in humid southern regions, wood chips are suggested as a medium.
Secrets to cultivating reblooming hyacinths
Bulb activation treatment
Before planting in autumn, perform low-temperature vernalization: wrap the bulbs with moist sphagnum moss and store them in a 4°C environment for 30 days. Choose a well-draining humus soil (peat: perlite = 3:1) and plant at a depth where the top of the bulb is slightly exposed.
Nutrient supplementation strategy
Apply high-phosphorus fertilizer during the germination stage to promote root growth, and switch to potassium fertilizer during the bud formation stage to strengthen the stems. It is recommended to use water-soluble fertilizer (NPK=5-10-5) every two weeks, with the concentration controlled at 800-1000 times liquid. Pay special attention to applying a trace element fertilizer once after flowering.
Environmental control points
maintain an average daily light of 4-6 hours and a temperature of 15-20°C. A 10°C temperature difference is required during the bud differentiation stage, which can be achieved by opening the windows at night. For hydroponically grown plants, it is recommended to transfer them to soil culture annually to recover vitality.
Through systematic care and management, high-quality bulbs can achieve continuous reblooming for 3-5 years. It is recommended to establish a care log to record changes in the phenological period each year and gradually master the growth rhythm of hyacinths. Even bulbs with reduced reblooming can be used as mother bulbs for division propagation, continuing the beautiful life cycle.